WENHAM, Mass.—Gordon Women's Basketball broke a lengthy losing streak by combining a stifling defense with an efficient offense in a 52-39 win over visiting Wentworth on Thursday night. The Fighting Scots tasted victory in Commonwealth Coast Conference play for the first time this season, while Wentworth fell to 2-9 in the CCC.
 
The Fighting Scots pulled off a near cover-to-cover victory over the visiting Leopards, trailing by only 15 seconds in the entire contest. Gordon raced out to the early 17-7 lead over the first 10 minutes of play thanks to the aggressive style of freshman Sophie Linnell (Richmond, Va.). Linnell scored six points and grabbed five rebounds during the opening span to push Gordon to its largest lead in five games.
 
Gordon eventually took a 21-9 lead with just under seven minutes on the clock, but sputtered on offense down the stretch of the opening period. Wentworth also had a hard time putting together any runs on offense, scoring only three points during the same stretch. Despite the lack of consistent offense, Gordon held a 21-12 advantage at halftime.
 
After pushing the lead back to double-digits, Wentworth began to claw its way back one possession after another. By the midway point of the final period, the Leopards had gotten back within two points at 29-27. Carly Rogers (Scarborough, Maine) had a stellar game for the Leopards and was a mismatch in the low post during the six-minute run.
 
The closed deficit awoke Mariel Barner (Colorado Springs, Colo.) on the offensive end. The junior guard hit back-to-back three pointers to extend Gordon's lead back up to eight points in a matter of 45 seconds. Barner scored 12 points as a part of a 21-8 Gordon run to put the game away for good.
 
Wentworth was led by Rogers with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while also contributed a game-high three blocks. Riselly Deoleo (Manchester, N.H.) finished with a well-rounded stat line of eight points, seven assists and six rebounds. Rogers and Rachael Camara (Fall River, Mass.) picked up three thefts a piece as well.
 
After scoring a flurry points in the opening few minutes, Linnell finished with only eight, but commanded a game-high 14 boards. Brooke Kratche (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) had an efficient 14 points and six rebounds. The lone Gordon senior also came up with two key steals that led to fast-break points in the second half. Barner's incredible second half saw her finish with 14 points and Kristen Smith (Littleton, Mass.) chipped in 10. 
 
Gordon held a slight edge in rebounding, 38-37. The Fighting Scots are back on the hardwood on Saturday when they host cross-town rival Endicott at 1 p.m. Wentworth will also host a conference game on Saturday against Salve Regina.