DANBURY, CT— Nationally ranked Western Connecticut State University coasted to a 92-32 non-conference victory over Lasell College on Thursday night at Feldman Arena. The Colonials, ranked 25th in the most recent USA Today/ESPN Division III Women's Basketball Coaches' Poll, continued on an eight-game winning streak to bring their overall record to 10-1.
Sophomore guard Nicolle Eanniello (Danbury, CT) produced a career and game-best 20 points in the Colonials triumph. Following Eanniello was senior All-American candidate Melissa Teel (Hamden, CT) who dropped 17 points and secured nine rebounds. Freshman forward Tequilla Lloyd (Wingdale, NY) notched 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to aid in the Colonials win.
Lasell's leading scorer, freshman guard Kayla Vincelette (Westport, MA), recorded a team-high 11 points while also producing five rebounds and two blocks. Senior guard Katie Farr (Rindge, NH) contributed 10 points and three assists for the Lasers and sophomore forward Kim Archibald (Lewiston, ME) grabbed six rebounds in the defeat.
Western Connecticut raced out to an early lead with a three-pointer by Heather Lee (Seymour, CT) in the opening possession which was followed with back-to-back three's from Eanniello. The hosts had drummed up a 15 point lead by 12:08 at which point an Archibald breakaway layup made way for a quick Laser run, closing the gap slightly over the following two minutes. The Colonials, however, turned up the heat in the remaining time to pull out of reach of the Lasers for the rest of the contest.
Lasell (1-9) will begin Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) competition on Saturday, January 8th when they tip off against rival Mount Ida College (3-8) at 2:00 p.m. in the Athletic Center.