NEWTON, Mass. -- Mount Ida College recognized six athletes on senior night before falling 76-50 to Johnson and Wales University in Great Northeast Athletic Conference Women's Basketball (GNAC) action on Tuesday Night at Mount Ida College Athletic Center.
Seniors Janique Cofield (San Diego, Calif.), Katlyn Jesse (Marshfield, Mass.), Molly Alkinburg (Port Deposit, Md.), Brittany Crosby (Riverside, R.I.), Maryssa Dwyer (Quincy, Mass.), and Angelique Martinez (Taunton, Mass.) were all recognized for their outstanding accomplishments over their years here at Mount Ida College.
In the opening quarter the Mustangs and the Wildcats went shot for shot, never allowing one another to extend their lead more than 5 points. Martinez led the way for Mount Ida off the bat by scoring 6 of their 16 initial points. Junior Center Ashley Thompson (Bellingham, Mass.) opened up strong as well for the Wildcats by also scoring 6 of their 17 points in the first quarter. The Wildcats went into the second quarter of play only leading by a single point.
Johnson & Wales distanced themselves from Mount Ida by going on a 22-6 run halfway through the second. The Wildcats never looked back from there, outscoring the Mustangs 23-8 in the third quarter, bringing the lead to 29 points.
In the last quarter the Mustang seniors each received their final curtain call at Mount Ida Athletic Center. Each senior walked off the court for the last time in Newton, Mass. with a loud applause from the crowd. A gym full of emotional helped push the Mustangs to outscore the Wildcats in the final period of play by a score of 20-17.
Mount Ida College was led in scoring by Martinez and Jesse, who both posted 11 points each. Thompson led all scorers by scoring 20 points for Johnson & Wales. Junior guard Raquel Pederzani (Coventry, R.I.) contributed 18 points for the wildcats as well.
Mount Ida moves to 7-17 overall and 3-12 in GNAC play. JWU moves to 17-7 and 12-3 in conference play as well.
The Mustangs have one last game as they travel to Albertus Magnus College on Saturday for another GNAC matchup. The Wildcats finish off their regular season Saturday as they St. Joseph's Connecticut in conference play.
