Fitchburg State Holds Off Clark, 55-48

Payette and Bertilson combine for 24 points in Falcons victory

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 4, 2008) - The Fitchburg State women's basketball team earned is fourth victory of the season with a 55-48 victory over Clark University in non-conference action this evening.

Senior Stephanie Payette (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) led the Fitchburg State attack with a team-high 14 points four rebounds, while freshman Jamie Bertilson (Ridgefield, Conn./Ridgefield) connected for ten points and nine boards. Sophomore Kelley Rogers (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) chipped in with eight points and six caroms.

Freshman Kate Minister (Manchester, UK/Proctor Academy) led the Clark attack with a game-high 16 points and three rebounds. Minister shot 6-of-14 from the floor including 4-of-12 from three point range. Senior Sarah Roderique (Oakland, Maine/Messalonskee) was also solid tallying 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while classmate Nicole LeVecque (Billerica, Mass./Billerica) added nine points and two boards.

Fitchburg State grabbed a 33-20 lead through the first half of play as Payette connected for ten first half points. Both teams played even in the opening minutes before Fitchburg State exploded for a 17-5 run to close out the frame. Payette led the rally with eight points, while Bertilson notched six.

In the second half, Clark battled back, cutting the Fitchburg State lead to 35-30 just four minutes into the period. The Falcons responded moments later with six unanswered points, but Clark ended the Fitchburg State momentum with a 15-2 run to take 45-43 lead.

In the final minutes of regulation, Fitchburg State stepped up its defense, holding Clark to only two points while its offense took over. The Falcons closed the match with a 12-5 run led by Rogers who notched four points in the rally. Junior Michelle Ridge (Milton, Mass./Milton) and sophomore Kim Duprey (Bernardston, Mass./Pioneer Valley) were also solid with two huge three pointers, while Payette added a lay-up.  

Fitchburg State (4-3, 0-0 MASCAC) will be in action again on Saturday as it hosts Rivier College at 1 p.m. Clark (3-2, 0-0 NEWMAC) will travel to Trinity College on Saturday at 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Fitchburg State 55, Clark 48