Fitchburg State was able to hold off a Suffolk comeback attempt, defeating the Rams 65-60 in a non-conference women's basketball contest on Thursday evening at the FSU Recreation Center. Senior center Kristen Enright led the Falcons with a team-leading 16 points and career-high 18 rebounds.

 

The Falcons led by as many as 14 points, but a resurgent Suffolk side eventually fought back to regain the lead with less than three minutes remaining. Trailing by three, the Rams saw their comeback effort fall short when senior guard Laura Cote came up with a steal at midcourt and proceeded to knock down two free throws to seal the win.

 

In the first half both teams combined for 17 steals in a defensive battle, where neither side reached double digits in scoring until the 10:00 minute mark.

 

Suffolk would take a three point lead on a jumper by junior guard Alessandra Quadri, but the Falcons responded with a 15-0 run to take a 12 point advantage (26-14) with 3:44 remaining in the opening stanza.

 

Trailing by as many as 14, the Rams were able to slowly cut into the deficit due largely in part to shooting 51.7% from the floor in the second half. They eventually regained the lead on a layup by senior guard Iliana Quadri at the 2:57 mark.

 

After being tied on two occasions Cote put the Green & Gold ahead for good on a layup followed by an and one that gave the hosts a three point lead with 1:09 on the clock.

 

Senior forward Megan Wodzinski chipped in with 14 points, while shooting 50% (3-6) from beyond the arc in the winning effort. The Rams were led by senior forward Shelby Santini with a game-high 17 points, while I. Quadri contributed with 11 points in the setback.

 

Overall, Fitchburg State shot 22-70 (31.4%) from the floor, while going 31.3% (5-16) from downtown. Suffolk went 45.1% (23-51) from the field and shot 57.1% (4-7) from the perimeter. The Falcons also held a 50-39 edge in rebounds.

 

Fitchburg State will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 6 as they travel to Tufts University for a contest at 2:00 pm. Suffolk will also be back on the hardwood the same day, hosting Framingham State at 1:00 pm.

(Story courtesy of Fitchburg State University Sports Information)