CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - In front of a record crowd at home, Lesley University senior Courtnie Leakeas (Lowell, Mass.) broke 1,000 points for her collegiate career after netting 11 points against Castleton State College.  Despite her achievement, the Lynx fell to the Spartans 60-52 and dropped their record to 8-7 (3-3 North Atlantic Conference) while Castleton State improved to 9-6 (5-1 NAC).

Lynx freshman continued her stellar rookie season as she scored 13 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had a steal in the losing effort.  Junior Kelly Harrington (Toledo, Ohio) was the only other Lesley player in double-figures as she scored 11 points. 

Castleton State had multiple contributors in the game as LeeAnne Ketchen (Brookline, N.H.) had a team high 12 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists and a steal.  Mary Nienow (Middlebury, Vt.) scored 10 points for the Spartans. 

The Spartans had an impressive overall effort from Jess Banks (Milford, Conn.) who scored nine points, grabbed seven defensive rebounds, forced five turnovers, and dished out two assists. 

Lesley jumped out early on a 17-5 run capped off by a Harrington three-pointer.  Castleton State fought back to score 20 of the game's next 30 points to go into halftime down just two points. 

Castleton State went on an 11-0 run to start the second half to take a 36-27 advantage.  The Lynx kept up with their opponent, clawing back to within three points with 12:20 left in the game but the Spartans never gave up the lead. 

Lesley came back in the game's final minute to cut the lead to just four, but Castleton State went on to take the victory after clutch free throws Ketchen. 

Lesley will take on Johnson State College on Saturday afternoon while Castleton State will travel to Wheelock College on the same day.

To learn more about the Lesley University women's basketball team, please visit their website.