CCC CHAMPIONSHIP: No. 1 Endicott Falls, 69-55, To No. 3 Western New England

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott women's basketball team welcomed Western New England University for the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship and the Gulls fell to the Golden Bears 69-55. 

The Gulls opened the game with a 9-0 run and went on to a 19-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. 

However, Western New England went on a 9-0 run of their own in the opening minutes of the second frame to tie the game at 19-19. Both teams battled for the advantage but Lauren Chadwick (Gardiner, Maine) hit a three with 31 seconds left to give the Golden Bears a slight 28-26 lead at the half. 

The third quarter saw both teams continuing to fight for the lead and the Gulls found equalizing baskets several times but were unable to pull ahead. Ultimately, Western New England regained the lead for good with just under one minute left in the frame and went on to secure the 69-55 victory. 

Emily Pratt (Gardner, Mass.) led all scorers with 28 points (10-16 FG, 5-8 3PT, 3-4 FT) and she also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Leading the way for the Golden Bears was Courtney Carlson (Woodbury, Conn.) with 18 points and nine rebounds. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Gulls lead the overall series with the Golden Bears, 16-10.
• This is Western New England's first CCC Championship title in program history.
• Kaleigh Putnam (Wallingford, Conn.) added 16 points, two steals, and one assist for the Gulls. 
• Senior Emma Tierney (Wolfeboro, N.H.) pulled down a team-high six rebounds and Catie Lipscomb (West Springfield, Mass.) had a season-high four steals.

WHAT'S NEXT

Endicott finishes the season with an overall record of 18-9 and the regular-season CCC Championship title. Western New England (20-8) earns the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament.

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)