NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Lesley University women's basketball team went into Mitchell College needing a victory to take hold of the number one seed going into the New England Collegiate Conference playoffs but were defeated 61-49 by the Mariners.  Despite the loss, the Lynx still earned a first round bye and advance to the conference semifinals to be played Friday evening at Mitchell College.

Lesley finishes the 2008-2009 regular season with a school record 15 wins to go along with 10 losses and a 14-2 record in the NECC.  Mitchell improved to 16-9 (14-2 NECC) and will host the championship weekend. 

Junior forward Hailee Lowe (Hamilton, Mass.) once again led the Lynx in scoring with 17 points on 7-of-15 from the floor.  Lowe also snatched eight rebounds in 27 minutes of playing time.  Rachael O'Mara (Levittown, N.Y.) gave a solid effort with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Mitchell's leading scorer Jen Iglesias (Waterbury, Conn.) scored a game-high 20 points and dished out four assists as the junior played all 40 minutes of the game.  Complementing Iglesias' effort was Tania Gee (West Haven, Conn.) who came off the bench to score 15 points. 

The Lynx and Mariners were basically deadlocked for much of the first half as the visitors were able to hold a slim one-point advantage at 27-26 going into halftime. 

Mitchell kicked off the second half with a 13-2 run that put Lesley in a hole for much of the period.  The Lynx, however, responded with a 12-5 of their own to cut the lead down to three points at 44-41 with 6:23 remaining in the game. 

With two important three-pointers by Iglesias in the final five minutes, the Mariners would be able to separate themselves from the Lynx to gain the must-win victory. 

Both schools will have a bye through the quarterfinals of the NECC playoffs and will play in the semifinals starting on Friday, February 27.  Check back for an official schedule of the NECC playoffs.

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