Jan. 30, 2008

Box Score

WORCESTER, Mass. - Sophomore Kaileen Selen (Worcester, MA) tallied a game-high 16 points and added an eye-popping 11 steals to lift WPI to a key 64-52 victory over visiting Babson in NEWMAC women's basketball action Wednesday evening. WPI improves to 9-8 on the year and 4-3 in conference play while Babson dips to 8-10 overall and 3-4 in NEWMAC action.

The Engineers used a tenacious defense in the first half to help parlay 13 Beaver turnovers into 15 points. With Selen and freshman Charlotte McDonnell (Swansea, MA) (3 blocks) anchoring the defensive effort, Babson connected on just one field attempt in the final eight minutes of the first half as the Crimson and Gray took a 32-19 lead into the locker room at the break.

WPI used a quick 8-0 spurt early in the second half to extend the advantage to 20 and never saw its margin slip into single digits the rest of the way. Caitlin Macko (Cromwell, CT) aided the Engineers cause with 13 points while Kate Maki (Fitchburg, MA) chipped in with nine points and four steals.

Elle Fontaine (Franklin, MA) sparked WPI off the bench with eight points and added five rebounds. Natasha Deschene (Presque Isle, ME) distinguished herself with a team-best six rebounds and three assists while Selen added five boards.

The Beavers were paced by Caitlin Fenn (Niantic, CT), who notched 14 points and shared game-high honors with eight rebounds. Nicole McManus (Baldwinsville, NY) added nine points, seven rebounds, and three steals while Linsey Poulson (Leominster, MA) corralled eight boards in defeat.

Both teams return to action on Saturday. WPI travels to Mount Holyoke for a 2pm rematch of last year's NEWMAC Tournament Championship game while Babson hosts Wellesley at 3pm.

NOTE: Taken from a WPI press release.