WPI 63, Wellesley 49 

Wellesley, MA --- Worcester Polytechnic Institute used aggressive defense and solid shooting to hand Wellesley College a 63-49 loss this evening at the Dorothy Towne Fieldhouse. The Engineers forced 22 Wellesley turnovers and held the Blue's offense to 35% from the floor, while WPI shot 46%, including four of six from three-point range. Wellesley drops to 3-11 (0-5 NWMAC). WPI improves to 10-5 (3-1).

After trading baskets during the opening minutes of the game, WPI went on an eight-point run, including back-to-back baskets by Caitlin Macko (Cromwell, CT), to take a 16-7 lead with 11:13 remaining in the half. WPI stretched its lead to 28-16, before Wellesley trimmed the lead to single digits with a three-pointer from Courtney Pelley (Leicester, MA) with 2:12 left. Emily Allietta (Sandwich, MA) sank a three-pointer at the buzzer to give WPI a 31-19 lead at the break.

WPI opened the second half with a 10-point run, including three buckets from Michele Perry (Pelham, NH), to take a 41-19 lead at the 16:05 mark.  The Blue broke the string in their next possession, with a layup from Jessica Duff (Milton, Abingdon, UK). Wellesley then went on a 9-3 run, whittling the lead to 46-30 with 12:15 left on the clock. WPI stopped the momentum by scoring six unanswered points, but Wellesley made one final surge by sinking eight consecutive free throws, cutting the lead to 55-43 with 4:10 remaining. The Blue's push proved futile, as WPI went on an 8-6 run to close out the game, 63-49.

Meghan Pajonas (Bristol, CT) led WPI with 14 points and seven rebounds.  Perry chipped in 10 points and two blocked shots. Duff and Courtney Richter (Sinking Spring, PA) led Wellesley with 11 points each. Katie Martore (Great Falls, VA) added 10.

Wellesley returns to action on Saturday at Clark with a 1:00pm. game.  WPI opens up a three-game homestand Saturday with a 1pm contest versus Smith. 

Release courtesy Wellesley Sports Information