WBB: Lasers Storm Past Westfield 72-61

Newton, MA- After a hard-fought thriller against the Owls of Westfield State, the women's basketball team kept the momentum rolling and powered their way to a 4–0 start to the season. 

Lasell came out locked in defensively and immediately set the tone. Laura Johnson powered inside for two early buckets on her way to a massive 27-rebound night (10 offensive). Behind her presence, the Lasers dominated the glass from the jump, ultimately outrebounding Westfield 67–47. Blaize Mack directed the offense, eventually finishing with 14 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Abigail Duclos added energy on both ends, scoring efficiently and pressuring the ball. Lasell closed the quarter on a decisive run sparked by transition scoring and second-chance opportunities, building an early 18–9 lead while holding Westfield to 26% shooting for the game.

Lasell's depth broke the game open in the second. Erica Lendall caught fire off the bench, drilling three triples to stretch the lead, while Alexis Bulson-Cuozzo controlled the boards with 9 rebounds. The Lasers defense tightened even more, forcing Westfield into rushed perimeter attempts. Duclos continued her strong two-way play, eventually leading Lasell with 18 points, while Johnson's interior dominance limited Westfield's second-chance opportunities. Even when the pace got frantic, Mack's playmaking steadied everything, and Lasell entered halftime firmly in control 24-19.

Westfield attempted to climb back by increasing tempo and firing early-shot-clock threes, but Lasell's rebounding and half-court discipline kept the momentum one-sided. Daeserae Williamson delivered another strong stretch, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Shirle Major added 7 rebounds and 6 points as the starting unit continued to overwhelm Westfield on the interior. Despite a few shot-making bursts from Westfield's wings, the Owls couldn't overcome their cold shooting. Lasell's physicality protected the lead and prevented any sustained run.

Lasell closed the game with composed, physical basketball. Johnson cleaned every miss to secure her 27-rebound double-double (13 pts), while Duclos and Mack handled the ball late to finish off Westfield's pressure. The Lasers continued to force turnovers, 45 total Westfield turnovers, and converted them into easy scores. Even as Westfield got late production the Owls 24-for-91 shooting night made a comeback unrealistic. Lasell earned the 72–61 win, never trailing from the opening tip.

Up Next- The Lasers will be back in action on Friday November 21 hosting Framingham State at 7:00PM.