Wellesley's Defense Propels Win Over Fisher, 38-21

WELLESLEY, Mass. - Fueled by a strong defensive effort, Wellesley College basketball controlled Fisher in a 38-21 win from Dorothy Towne Fieldhouse on Tuesday.

First year Arla Hofer (Las Vegas. Nev.) paced the Blue (4-3) with a dozen points on 6-10 shooting while classmate Shannon Li (Los Altos, Calif.) added 11 points. Senior Madison Kelley (Moosup, Conn.) was the leading scorer for the Falcons (1-5) with nine points.

The Blue scored the first four points of the game, with Li connecting on a three. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with Wellesley leading 6-4 at the horn. The Blue's defense held the Falcons to 2-12 shooting from the floor.

Wellesley widened their lead to eight at 14-6 on a made layup by sophomore Sairah O'Brien-Forde (Binghamton, N.Y.) before the Falcons scored the final six points of the quarter, trailing Wellesley by two at the half. Li lead the Blue with eight first half points.

The Blue controlled the third quarter, outscoring Fisher 15-3 and only allowing a single made basket. Junior Jiyun Chae (Chantilly, Va.) scored six for Wellesley in the quarter and also had a trio of steals. 

Fisher opened the fourth with four points on baskets from Kelley and junior Jada Briggs (Craig, Colo.). Wellesley squashed any potential comeback with three quick baskets from Hofer running the Blue's lead to 16 at 37-21. Wellesley went on to finish off a 38-21 win holding the Falcons to eight total made shots with the Blue securing 12 steals. 

The Blue return with a road game at Worcester State next Monday at 7:00 PM. The Falcons continue their road stretch next Tuesday at Albertus Magnus at 7:00 PM.