Winter Sports

By LJ VP LaFiura – 1851 Contributor

*Graduate student Kevin Vanderhorst takes a free throw against Husson. Photo by Nico Manganiello*

The men’s and women’s basketball programs are back for their first full seasons since before COVID-19.

By Zack Laware – 1851 Contributor

The Lasers and Lions warm up before tip-off Tuesday evening.
Lasers run drills in front of their home crowd just before game time.
Graduate Jonathan Friberg throws down a dunk during warmups.

All photos by Zack Laware

At 7 p.m. on November 16, the Lasers took on the Eastern Nazarene Lions of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) in a non-conference matchup at the Lasell Athletic Center. It was the second home game of the season, and they came away victorious by a score of 83-75.

Looking at the stat sheet, Eastern Nazarene had the slight edge in every statistical category. The Lions shot 50% from the field- the highest percentage the Lasers have allowed all year. In their three previous games, the Lasers had held their opponents to 42% from the field. Where the Lasers did have an edge over the Lions, was rebounding. They outrebounded the Lions 42-26 in total, and 16-4 on the offensive boards.

Graduate forward Kevin Vanderhorst dominated the offensive glass for the Lasers, grabbing seven of his 13 rebounds on the offensive end. Vanderhorst finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, and also made his shots count from the free throw line, going 10-11 on the night.

Senior EJ Day, the Lasers leading scorer so far this season averaging 22.2 points, contributed 20 points on 7-15 shooting. Day went on a 9-0 run by himself in the first half, hitting three long range three pointers, putting the Lasers up 25-14 at the time.

Senior Kevin Nunez posted 17 points, and freshman Conan McCusker had 11 points including the three pointer that put the game out of reach.

Eastern Nazarene’s leading scorer sophomore Bernie McGuinness led the way with 13 points, while junior Levi Grady-White and senior Corey McGhee each had 12 points. Junior Nick Manzo also included 10 points for the Lions in their effort to keep the game close.

Junior Matt Rothberg got his first minutes of the season for the Lasers in the second half. Rothberg played six minutes, contributing two rebounds and forcing multiple turnovers. “It felt good, and I am always ready,” said Rothberg. I’m here for teammates whenever they need me and I am happy that we got the win tonight.”

The Lasers will have a long break before their next game on the road as they face Wheaton College on November 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

By Taylor Viles & LJ VP LaFiura – Sports Editor & 1851 Staff

*Sophomore Brooke Damboise works on her shot in an empty athletic center. The building hasn’t seen live competition since a men’s volleyball match on March 11.*
*Photo by Meghan Carroll.*

In a time when cancelations seem to be inevitable every single day, another victim has been taken: the winter sports season. Lasell’s announcement came on October 23, 11 days before the presidents’ council decided to make the same decision for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. The counsel is made up of the head of each conference school.

Continue reading →

By Brian McLoughlin & Brian Cohen – Sports Editor & 1851 Staff

46237718_331693354049853_3716376841213181952_o (1) — The men’s basketball team after a thrilling 72-71 victory over Regis College. Photo by Andrew Modugno.

Men’s Basketball

Men’s basketball opens up the 2018- 19 campaign with three games in five days beginning on the road at Fitchburg State on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12:00 p.m. Two days later, the Lasers will host Regis a non-conference home opener at 7:00 p.m. Hopping back out of conference action, the Lasers host 2017 National Champion Babson on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

Continue reading “Winter forecast: a storm of sports approaching” →

Winter sports are about halfway through their respective seasons. Men’s basketball is currently in 4th place in the GNAC looking towards the playoffs. Women’s basketball recently won their senior day game against St. Joseph’s (Conn.) 68-42. Indoor track & field recently competed in the 2018 Boston University John Thomas Terrier Indoor Invitational. Men’s volleyball is looking towards their first conference game of the season.