LEICESTER, Mass. - The Lesley University traveled to Leicester, Massachusetts to face off against the preseason #1 team in the New England Collegiate Conference, the Becker College Hawks, and won 70-58 for their second conference victory in as many games.  The Lynx went on a 16-4 run in the final 6:30 of second half to solidify their triumph.

With the win, Lesley improved to 3-8 (2-0 NECC) while Becker dropped to 5-5 (1-1 NECC).

During their 16-4 run to end the game, Lynx sophomore Kaitlyn Wechsler (Merrick, N.Y.) led the offensive charge scoring seven points in just a minute and a half.  The forward's aggression on the offensive glass also helped create second-chance opportunities for Lesley.  Wechsler finished the game with 14 points and seven rebounds.

The high scorer for the Lynx was Hailee Lowe (Hamilton, Mass.) who registered her second 20-point game of the season finishing with 20 points and six rebounds.  Lowe of 9-of-17 from the floor as she scored 10 of her points in the final five minutes of the game. 

Rachael O'Mara (Levittown, N.Y.) contributed to Lesley's strong finish with three points, three assists, and three steals during that stretch. 

Becker's two double-digit scorers were Beth Pion (Enfield, Conn.) and Rachel Pinak (Cheektowaga, N.Y.) who tallied 20 and 13 points, respectively.  Pion also grabbed seven rebounds and created six steals. 

Although Lesley took an early lead, Becker stormed back to regain the advantage in the middle of the second half as the Hawks took a lead as large as five points with 7:44 remaining. 

The Hawks shot just 32.8% from the field but were effective beyond the arc as the team hit 6-of-14 shots from long range.

Senior guard Lani Cabral-Pini (Wilmington, Mass.) anchored the offense well for the Lynx down the stretch.

"Lani was able to settle down our offense," commented Head Coach Tom Fay.  "Her defense was impressive too.  She harassed the other team's point guard all game and was constantly diving after loose balls."

Lesley will host Newbury College on Saturday, January 17 for a 1:00 pm game.  Becker hosts Mitchell College on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. 

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

Contact:          Rob Palardy
                        Sports Information Director
                        Lesley University
                        617.349.8627 (office)
                        617.349.8640 (fax)
                       rpalardy@lesley.edu