The Massachusetts Minutewomen (0-2, 0-0 A-10) lost in a close game to the University New Hampshire Wildcats (2-0, 0-0 America East) 48-45 on Thursday night in their home opener. The Minutewomen still have a 22-17 lead in the all-time series history over the Wildcats.
This game consisted of scoring runs and droughts between the Minutewomen and Wildcats. UMass held onto the lead for twenty-eight minutes before a scoring drought became an issue. Both New Hampshire and UMass shot below forty percent from the field. Both teams had runs that kept them in the game, but the Minutewomen’s inability to hit a field goal in the final five and a half minutes significantly impacted how the game ended.
UMass had one player score in double-figures on Thursday night. Allie Palmieri had another career-high of 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals as the only player in double-digit scoring for the Minutewomen. Stefanie Kulesza had 7 points and 4 rebounds, Yahmani McKayle had 6 points, Megan Olbrys had 5 points and 12 rebounds, Chineyne Odenigbo had 5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and a career-high 3 blocks, and Momo LaClair had 2 points and 3 assists to round out the scorers for UMass.
The Minutewomen continue their five-game home stand on Sunday, November 10th against the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils (0-2, 0-0 Northeast Conference) at 1pm on ESPN+. This will be the 26th all-time meeting between these two teams, and the Minutewomen have a 19-6 lead over the Blue Devils.
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.
