Women's Basketball Captures P&H Travel Tip-Off Classic Title

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University Bears captured the P&H Travel Women's Basketball Tip-Off Classic title as the hosts downed visiting Trinity College in the championship game, 86-57, on Saturday afternoon at the Tinsley Center.

Tournament Most Valuable Player, junior guard Elisha Homich (Ludlow, Mass.) paced the Bears (2-0) in the win over Trinity (0-1) as she scored a game-high 24 points on 7-for-9 shooting and added seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.  Homich knocked down 6 of 7 three-points attempts. 

Earlier in the day, Springfield College (1-1) posted an 82-43 victory over Thomas College (0-2) in the consolation game.

The Bears outscored their opponents 191-117 in the tournament led by Homich who averaged 19.5 points a game.  Bridgewater downed Thomas in the semifinals on Friday night, 105-60.

Junior forward Michaela Cosby (Walpole, Mass.) also earned all-tournament honors for BSU as she poured in 16 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists and four steals in the win over Trinity.

Bridgewater shot 52% (28-54) from the floor, including an impressive 9-for-12 (75%) from three-point range.  The Bears also held the visiting Bantams to 29% (21-73) shooting, including just 3-for-18 (17%) from behind the arc.  BSU led 47-24 at the intermission and coasted to the 29-point win.

Senior forward Shelly DePina (New Bedford, Mass.) added 14 points, three rebounds and two steals for Bridgewater, while sophomore guard Jenna Williamson (Ludlow, Mass.) chipped in with ten points, five boards and two steals.

Senior guards Kaitlin Ciarleglio (Waterbury, Conn.) and Michelle Royals (Torrington, Conn.) tallied ten points apiece to lead the Bantams.  Ciarleglio, who added six rebounds, two assists and seven steals, was named to the all-tournament team.

In the consolation game, Springfield breezed to the 82-43 victory behind 17 points from senior guard Kelly Murphy (Mechanicville, N.Y.), and a 14-point, six-rebound, three-assist and five-block shot effort by all-tournament selection, freshman forward Jaimie Bickelhaupt (Brookfield, Conn.).

The Pride dominated from start to finish, holding Thomas to 27% (12-45) shooting while forcing 37 turnovers.  Springfield shot 52% (32-62) from the floor and held a 40-32 rebounding advantage.

Senior guard Karin Bird (Lee, Maine) was chosen to the all-tournament team for Thomas as she scored 20 points against Springfield and averaged a tournament-best 22.5 points per game over the two days.

Bridgewater's four-game homestand to start the season resumes on Tuesday evening as the Bears hosts Rhode Island College at 5:30 PM.