Massasoit's Sophomores Lead Second Half Surge

BROCKTON, Mass. ---- An aggressive defense showcased by the Massasoit CC women's basketball team recorded a season-high 39 steals leading to a 88-44 victory against Quinsigamond CC in the regular season finale for the Warriors on Tuesday night.

Massasoit (14-6) advances to the Region XXI Tournament as the top seed, hosted by Bunker Hill CC this weekend. The Warriors are slated to play the host Bulldogs on Saturday at 12 p.m. The winner of the tournament earns an automatic bid to the NJCAA National Tournament, hosted in Rochester, Minn., from March 12-15.

The Warriors struggled in the opening stanza against the Wyverns, but still held a 37-26 advantage at intermission. Marina Palladino (Carver), one of five sophomores that played their final home game for the Warriors, scored 14 of her 20 points in the first half, including four 3-pointers.

In the second half the Massasoit defense turned up the heat, totaling 23 steals and shooting an even 50 percent (20 of 40) to outscore Quinsigamond 51-18 after halftime.

Massasoit featured a balanced scoring attack, as five players scored in double figures with another putting in nine points. Fredi Lawson (Boston/J.E. Burke HS) topped the team with 21 points and 14 rebounds, marking her ninth consecutive double-double. She nearly recorded her first triple-double of the season, totaling eight steals as well.

Next in the scoring department was Palladino, who added four assists and four steals to her 20-point effort. Ashley Andrade (Randolph), another sophomore had a strong final game at the Asiaf Fieldhouse, posting a double-double with 16 points and a team-high 11 steals. She added six rebounds.

Also reaching double figures was sophomore Cynara Rustin (Brockton/Minutmen Regional) and Tiana McQueen (Mattapan/Boston English HS) who each charted 10 points. Rustin recorded five steals and McQueen pulled down seven rebounds.

Tianna Johnson (Brockton/New Mission HS) continued her consistency at the point guard position as the nation's leader in assists dished out 14 helpers, along with nine points, seven steals and five rebounds.

Sophomore Stephanie Goddard (Whitman) chipped in with two points, three rebounds and three steals in the victory.

Tuesday marked the final home game for the following sophomores: Ashley Andrade, Fredi Lawson, Marina Palladino and Stephanie Goddard.