Vallone Eclipses 1,000-Point Plateau in Loss at Western New England

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Sophomore center Elena Radzikowski (Medway, Mass.) and sophomore guard Emily Savino (Ellington, Conn.) combined for 32 points off the bench to lead the Western New England College women's basketball team to a 69-49 victory over visiting Wentworth Wednesday at the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

The Golden Bears, who are 9-0 at home this season, improved their record to 10-5 and 2-2 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference. The Leopards fall to 8-8 and 2-2.

Radzikowski had 17 points after making 6-of-7 shots from the field and all five free throw attempts in equaling her season high for points. She also pulled down a game-high six rebounds.

Savino chipped-in with 15 points after going 3-for-5 from the floor with a three-pointer and a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.

Senior guard Taryn Belowsky (New Haven, Conn.) and sophomore guard Shelby Van Huysen (Killingworth, Conn.) each contributed nine points.

Wentworth senior forward Kirsten Vallone (Avon, N.Y.) netted 17 points and became the ninth player in program history to hit the 1,000-point mark with her basket with 8:16 left in the first half of play. She made 7-of-12 shots and also dished out five assists with four steals in a nice performance.

Freshman guard Kendra Kerr (Marshfield, Mass.) added 10 points and four rebounds.

The Golden Bears led 33-18 at halftime and took their biggest lead at 67-43 following a three-pointer by Van Huysen with 4:31 left in the contest.

Western New England had a great shooting night connecting on 59.5% of its shots from the floor and 21-of-24 free throws for 87.5%.

Wentworth made 42.9% of its field-goal attempts, but made only 10-of-23 free throws for 43.5%.  Western New England also had a 29-20 advantage off the boards.

The Leopards host Endicott Saturday at 1:00, while the Golden Bears look to remain unbeaten at home when they host Salve Regina at that same time.

(portions courtesy of Western New England Sports Information)