The Massachusetts Minutewomen (1-2, 0-0 Atlantic 10) earned their first win of the season over the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Blue Devils (0-3, 0-0 Northeast Conference) 66-60 on Sunday afternoon. The Minutewomen extended their lead to 20-6 over the Blue Devils.
The game started with both teams scoring and trying to take the lead. There were eight lead changes, and it was tied six times throughout. Both the Minutewomen and the Blue Devils faced scoring droughts, but UMass capitalized on CCSU’s scoring drought at the beginning of the third quarter. The Minutewomen found ways to score even when they had to fight through the contact and were able to get to the free throw line. Much like the game on Thursday night, this game came down to the wire but instead of the away team coming away with the win, UMass broke through and kept their lead.
The Minutewomen had three players reach double-figure scoring. Yahmani McKayle led the way for UMass with career-highs of 21 points, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 37 minutes of play, Allie Palmieri had 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, and Megan Olbrys had a career-high 15 points with 8 rebounds and 2 assists to round out scorers in double-digits. Stefanie Kulesza had 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, Lilly Ferguson had 4 points and 4 rebounds, and Aleah Sorrentino had 4 points to round out all scorers.
UMass plays the Monmouth Hawks (0-2, 0-0 CAA) in the third game of their five-game homestand on Friday, November 15th, at 6pm. This will be the second meeting between these two teams, and the Hawks have a 1-0 lead over the Minutewomen. Monmouth will also play at the George Mason Patriots (2-0, 0-0 A-10) on Tuesday, November 12th at 7pm.
Featured Image: Devin Lippman, UMass Athletics
Kaily “KG” Godek is a current student at Western New England University (WNE). She has been a supporter of UMass Athletics for over 15 years. Kaily focuses on both UMass Basketball teams and occasionally on the other Women’s Basketball teams in the conference. While writing for A10 Talk, she works in the athletic department at WNE. When she graduates from WNE she wants to go into either Sports Broadcasting and Journalism or Coaching. You can follow Kaily on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kgumass23.
