#2 WPI, #3 Endicott  (ECAC Semifinals)

Worcester, MA --- Meghan Pajonas (Bristol, MA) and Kaileen Selen (Worcester, MA) combined for 26 second half points to help second-seeded WPI rally from a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat visiting Endicott 59-48 in an ECAC New England Division III Women's Basketball Tournament semifinal game on Friday.

With the victory, the Engineers advance to Saturday's championship game at 2pm where they will host conference rival and fourth-seeded Wheaton, a 69-67 overtime winner over Rhode Island College. It will mark the fourth meeting this season between the two schools with WPI earning a hard-fought 52-44 decision just last Saturday in the NEWMAC semifinals.

Endicott played inspired defense in the first half, limiting WPI to just four field goals, en route to opening up a 27-14 advantage at the break. The Crimson and Gray proved to be a different team in the second half, embarking on a 21-2 run to start the stanza. Selen erupted for eight points, including a key three-pointer early in the spurt. Pajonas registered four points and hauled in five boards during the run as the Engineers connected on 8-of-12 field goal attempts while holding Endicott to 1-of-9 from the field and forcing four turnovers.

Pajonas led the charge for WPI with 16 points and a game-best 12 rebounds while posting her 11th double-double of the season and her ninth in the last 12 contests. Selen tallied 14 points and also contributed with two assists and a pair of steals. Oddly enough the duo combined to shot just 6-for-26 from the floor, including 0-of-11 in the first half, but drained all 17 of their free throws attempts. Kate Maki (Fitchburg, MA) added eight points and Caitlin Macko (Cromwell, CT) and Michele Perry (Pelham, MA) each chipped in with seven.

Endicott received an outstanding performance from sophomore guard Nicole Duchesne (Plaistow, NH), who shared game-high honors with 16 points. Ceciley Chisholm (Lexington, MA) was key off the bench for the Gulls, scoring eight points to highlight a 16-7 EC advantage in reserve scoring.

With the win, WPI improves to 22-7 on the season. The 22 victories are the second most in program history, trailing only the 1995-96 squad that finished 23-6 in reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Endicott, who set a school record for wins in season and won its first ECAC game in program history, completes its season with a 19-10 mark.