WESTFIELD, Mass. – Freshman center Gabby Felix (Springfield/Commerce) had game highs of 17 points and 12 rebounds and freshman guard Molly Waitt (Melrose/Austin Prep) totaled 14 points and nine rebounds to pace Westfield State University to a 70-56 victory over Castleton (Vt.) State College in a non-conference game on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
 
The Owls own a 7-6 record heading into their conference opener, a home game on Saturday, Jan. 7, vs. Salem State University. Castleton is 6-4.
 
"This was a nice win for us to start the new year," said Westfield head coach Andrea Bertini. "We are still trying to develop some chemistry out there on the court and I was encouraged with today's effort.
 
"It was good to see two other freshmen step up for us (besides standout freshman guard Jen Ashton)," Bertini continued. "Gabby and Molly were definitely the keys today."
 
The Owls also were bolstered by the return of defensive standout Jenny Bell (Northampton). The junior guard played in her first game this season after being sidelined during the fall semester with an injury.
 
"Jenny out there it makes us a better team," said Bertini.
 
With Felix and Waitt combining for 18 first-half points, Westfield led at the intermission, 36-25. The Owls shot 43 percent from the field (4 for 9 from 3-point range) in building a 17-point lead, 36-19, late in the first half. But the scrappy Spartans scored the final six points.
 
Castleton stayed within striking distance by making eight 3-point baskets in the game, but Westfield began to gradually pull away in the second half.
 
Westfield led by 11 points, 53-42, with 7:35 remaining, then went on a 12-3 run over the next three minutes for a commanding 65-45 advantage.
 
Westfield junior reserve guard Angela Paterson (Nantucket) also scored in double figures with 11 points. Ashton was saddled with foul trouble and finished with eight points and five rebounds, but she continued to create havoc defensively with six steals. Bell had a team-high five assists, six rebounds and two steals. The Owls won the battle of the boards, 50-34.
 
Alyssa Leonard led Castleton with 15 points and six rebounds. Christine Jacques had 13 points and five assists. The Spartans shot 35 percent from the field.