Visiting Mitchell Nips Bay Path in NECC Women’s Basketball

HOLYOKE, Mass. – Senior Dallas Jackson (Springfield, Mass.) posted an impressive 16-point, 16-rebound effort in the Bay Path University women's basketball home opener, but it was not enough as the Wildcats dropped a narrow 65-59 decision to Mitchell College in New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) action at the Bartley Center.

Jackson, who knocked down six-of-11 field goal attempts, led all scorers and rebounders in the contest, while adding game highs with six assists and five steals.

Two other Wildcats scored in double figures, as senior Brenna Roy (Stafford Springs, Conn.) netted 11 points, while Haleigh Bassett (Millers Falls, Mass.) collected 10 points to go with six rebounds off the bench. Senior Aaliyah Gordon(Springfield, Mass.) added nine points and six rebounds.

For Mitchell, sophomore Francesca Pinard (Arlington, Mass.) registered a team-high 15 points, while senior Jessica Shepherd (West Hartford, Conn.) scored 13.  Freshman Camille Staggers (New Haven, Conn.) narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. 

After falling behind 18-8 after the first quarter, Bay Path trimmed Mitchell's lead to just 33-29 at halftime. The Wildcats opened the third quarter on a 17-5 run to take an eight-point lead, 46-38, late in the third quarter.  Unfortunately for the hosts, the Mariners would score 15 straight points to claim a 53-46 lead two minutes into the final period, a lead that the visitors would not relinquish.

Bay Path (0-5 overall, 0-2 NECC) will return to action on Saturday with a trip to NECC rival Wheelock at 2:00 p.m., while Mitchell (1-4, 1-1) will host NECC foe Elms Saturday at 1:00 p.m.