Fitchburg State Tops RPI, 71-59

Falcons used balance attack with four scorers in double digits

AMHERST, Mass. (November 15, 2008) - The Fitchburg State women's basketball team opened its 2008-09 campaign with a 71-59 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in semi-finals of the of the inaugural Amherst College Tip-Off Tournament this evening.

Junior Krystle O'Brien (Malden, Mass./Malden) led four Falcons in double figures with 14 points, while classmate Michelle Ridge (Milton, Mass./Milton) had 13 points and 13 boards. Senior Stephanie Payette (Townsend, Mass./North Middlesex) and sophomore Kim Duprey (Bernardston, Mass./Pioneer Valley) rounded out the Falcons attack with 12 points apiece.

Senior Whitney Coleman (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Etiwanda) and freshman Sarah Wetmore (Sudbury, MA/Lincoln Sudbury) led the RPI offensive attack, combining for 43 points. Coleman scored a game-high 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for the Red Hawks, while Wetmore chipped in with 18 points.

Fitchburg State's lead grew as large as 12 points midway through the first half but RPI rallied back with a trio of fast-break lay-ups to cut the deficit down to 28-22 with 5:28 to play in the half. The Red Hawks closed the gap to four points but Duprey answered right back for Fitchburg, knocking down a three pointer from the wing to lift the Falcons to a 35-27 lead at the half.

Fitchburg State increased its lead in the second half as the Falcons exploded for a 6-0 run midway through the period to take a commanding 53-41 lead. The Falcons defense held strong down the stretch, while the offense hit clutch free throws to secure Fitchburg State's first victory of the season.

Fitchburg State (1-0, 0-0 MASCAC) will be in action again tomorrow as it takes on Amherst College for the Tip-Off Tournament Championship at 4 p.m. RPI (0-1, 0-0 LL) will face NYCCT at 2 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 71, RPI 59