No. 8 Massasoit Runs Out Of Gas Against No. 6 West Georgia Tech

ROCHESTER, Minn. ---- The No. 8 Massasoit Community College women's basketball team struggled with the pressing style of No. 6 West Georgia Tech, as the Warriors ran out of gas playing their third game in three days. West Georgia claimed the contest, 84-45, in a game for seventh place at the NJCAA Division III Tournament.

The Warriors finished 0-3 in their first-ever appearance at the National Tournament and 16-9 overall.

"I think it was hard for the girls to get up after losing the first two games," head coach Mark Brathwaite said. "I feel like we played hard, but our emotions got the best of us today and for the entire tournament."

Fredi Lawson (Boston/J.E. Burke HS) scored the first basket of the game, but West Georgia would score the next 14 points to start the contest.

The Golden Knights would utilize a 29-2 run, thanks to their aggressive trapping press, to blow the game open and hold a commanding 50-19 at halftime.

"I'm an energy guy, and I can't stand when we don't play with energy," Brathwaite said. "Our girls were just out of gas out there today against a hard working and deep team in West Georgia. They press a lot like us and were able to sub in a lot of players to keep the pressure on."

In the second half, Massasoit played nearly even with West Georgia, only being outscored 34-26 after halftime, but the giant first half deficit proved to be far too much to overcome.

Lawson finished with a game-high 27 points along with eight rebounds and eight steals. Ashley Andrade (Randolph) added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Warriors.

"I'm not mad about the way we played here (at the tournament), but I am disappointed because we didn't play a complete game the entire time we were here," Brathwaite said. "I told the team I was proud of them for bringing home the school's first regional title and making the National Tournament. I wish we played better these last three games."

West Georgia had three players in double figures, led by Kadriana Howard's 22-point effort. Jasmine Williams scored 18 and Tattyanna Larocque chipped in 15.

Saturday marked the final game at Massasoit for the following players: Ashley Andrade (Randolph), Stephanie Goddard (Randolph), Cynara Rustin (Brockton), Fredi Lawson (Boston) and Marina Palladino (Carver).