SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Host Springfield College outscored the MCLA women's basketball team, 34-23, in the second half as the Pride broke open a close game and went on to defeat the Trailblazers, 58-45, Saturday in the opening game of the Holiday Inn/Naismith Classic.

 

Gracie Restituyo was tough to handle all day long as she posted game highs of 18 points and 15 rebounds. Chelsea McAllister added 12 points for the Pride (8-2) in the win.

 

Both teams showed some rust in the opening half as the game marked the return to action after long layoffs. Springfield led, 11-10, after one quarter and just 24-22 at half-time. Both teams shot poorly in the opening half as MCLA was 33 percent while the Pride connected on just 23 percent of their attempts.

 

Springfield opened the second half on an 11-3 run to create some separation. Restituyo converted on the first two possessions and when Emily Jacques drilled a 3-pointer with 5:56 left in the third quarter, it was 35-25 in favor of the hosts. MCLA (4-5) cut it to seven points late in the period after L'Rae Brundige converted and Emily Moulton added a free throw to make it 42-35, but Springfield's Alex Goslin scored at the buzzer and the Pride took a 44-35 edge into the final period.

 

The lead grew to 17 points and MCLA got no closer than 11 points the rest of the way as the Pride cruised home with the victory.

 

Brundige was 4-for-11 shooting for the Trailblazers for her 12-point night. Courtney Pingelski added 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Mckenzie Robinson scored just three points, but added a game best eight assists for the Trailblazers.

 

MCLA is back in action Sunday when it takes on NEWMAC foe Babson at noon as the Naismith Classic continues.