Vassar Wins Hampton Inn West Springfield/Naismith Classic

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – New Years' Day was not quiet for Vassar's Jackie Cenan (Laguna Beach, CA). The junior scored a career-high 22 points and matched her career-best eight rebounds to lead Vassar (8-2) to a 64-60 victory over Springfield (7-5) on Tuesday afternoon for the Hampton Inn West Springfield/ Naismith Classic title. The Brewers controlled the game early, opening with an 11-2 run in the first five minutes of play. After Cenan hit a triple to push the lead to 17-5, Springfield responded with a 13-2 run to close the quarter down one point. The Pride carried its momentum for the remainder of the half, closing the second quarter with a 37-32 lead. Springfield scored in their first possession, but Isa Peczuh (Willington, CT) made a layup to keep it a three-point game. After a Pride triple at 4:15, Springfield pulled away 46-38, but Peczuh answered with a three of her own to begin a 9-1 run to tie the game at 47 heading into the final stanza. Springfield would start to pull away again after taking a 53-49 advantage at 7:30. DeOrio got an 11-0 Brewers run going after knocking down a layup and drawing a foul for a three-point play. Cenan scored a jumper after, and Peczuh tallied two free throws to give Vassar a three-point lead at 56-53. A final three-pointer from Springfield cut the lead to two with under a minute to play, but Cenan would score the next possession. After a Pride miss, Springfield fouled Dani Douglas (Kalispell, MT) and the freshman sealed the game 64-60. Cenan was named the tournament's most outstanding player, while Sophie Nick (Denver, CO) was tabbed all-tournament team. Nick scored 14 points and grabbed seven boards. DeOrio added 15 points and five rebounds. Emily Jacques paced Springfield with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Bridget Reddington added 12 points and eight boards. The Brewers return to action on Fri. Jan. 4 to face Clarkson in Liberty League play at 5 p.m.