Late Spark from Maier Pushes Blue Basketball Over Mount Holyoke

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass.–  Led by junior Malia Maier, the Wellesley College basketball team topped Mount Holyoke College 59-45 this afternoon at the Mildred S. Howard Gymnasium. The guard scored all 11 of her points in the final nine minutes, as the Blue pulled away down the stretch. She also dished out seven assists and came up with seven steals. With the win, Wellesley completed the season sweep of its NEWMAC counterparts.

Mount Holyoke was paced by first year forward Amber Legare, who matched her career high with 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. She finished with five rebounds, three blocked shots and three steals for the Lyons, who knocked down 41.3% (19-46) of their shots the field and 83.3% (5-6) of their free throws.

Junior guard Angelica Pascual posted eight points and five rebounds, while twin sister Stephanie Pascual racked up a career-best seven assists. Mount Holyoke also received solid production from Tricia Chase, Christine Chancy and Allison Slysz, who tallied six points apiece.

First-year forward Morgyne Weaver set the tone for Wellesley with a career-high 19 points. She was joined in double figures by sophomore guard Leslie Leong, who added 13 points and nine boards. First-year Meghan Sargent chipped in with nine points for the Blue. 

As a team, Wellesley converted 40.0% (22-55) of their shots from the floor and 90.0% (9-10) of their free throws. Three of their six treys came from Maier.

Neither side led by more than six points in a first half that featured six ties and four lead changes. Mount Holyoke enjoyed a 15-9 edge following a long jumper by Chancy at the 10:50 mark, but Wellesley chipped away before eventually knotting things up at 17-17 with just over five minutes remaining in the period. The teams were deadlocked at 28-28 heading into the locker room. Leong led all scorers with nine points at the break. Meanwhile, Legare, Chase and Pascual had six apiece for the hosts.

The Blue took control with an 8-2 run in the opening minutes of the second stanza. Weaver sparked the rally with six points on a layup and two short jumpers. She put her team in front 44-37 with another jumper at the midpoint of the half.

Refusing to go away, Mount Holyoke responded with four straight points to slice the deficit to 44-41 at the 9:14 mark.

From there, it was all Wellesley. The Blue closed out the game on a 15-4 run to create separation and ensure their third straight win. Maier was nearly unstoppable during the stretch, drilling three shots from beyond the arc and a layup.  

Both squads will resume their NEWMAC schedules with home games on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Mount Holyoke (3-13, 1-9 NEWMAC) will entertain longtime rival Smith College, while Wellesley (8-7, 7-3 NEWMAC) will host MIT.