By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State Rams conquered the Massasoit Community College Warriors, prevailing with a score of 72-50 Feb. 11. As usual, the Rams came out strong on offense, scoring within the first 20 seconds on a layup from senior Katie Haselton. Not a minute later, Haselton passed to senior Chloe Rayko, who also scored on a layup. It took four unsuccessful offensive possessions and three layups from Rams’ freshman Faith Greene for the Warriors to put points on the board, scoring on two free throws. Massasoit threw up several more shots in the following minutes, tallying 10 points. The Rams pulled ahead, with two layups from junior Kiara Cerruti adding to the team’s score. Two more layups placed the Warriors at only a 2-point deficit with just 7 seconds remaining in the first quarter. As the clock ran down, the team successfully put in two foul shots, tying up the score at 16-16. The first 15 seconds of the second quarter were less than successful for the Rams, as Massasoit scored 2 points on a layup, resulting in a lead change. It took 20 seconds for FSU to even the score with a layup from Haselton, and another 40 seconds to regain control of the lead, the result of another layup from senior Michelle Moreno. Greene and freshman Jackie Schels added an additional 9 points to the score in the following 4 minutes. Sophomore Ava Mckeon collected the ball on a rebound, barreling down the court to score a layup for the last basket of the half. A steal and a layup from Haselton started the third quarter off right for Framingham. Massasoit fired off several more shots, very few of which were able to find the basket. Halfway into the quarter, the Rams brought the ball within scoring position, with Haselton poised to score. Much to the surprise of onlookers, she faked a shot, passing the ball to Greene, who stood opposite her - the maneuver allowing for another layup. The third quarter concluded following layups from freshman Haleigh Cyrus and sophomore Bryanna Grant, with a score of 54-38. Coming into the final stretch of the game, the Rams’ determination did not falter. Sophomore Bridget Capone received a pass from Mckeon, scoring a 3-point jump shot just 20 seconds in. Only 30 seconds later, junior Reese Perry bounded up the court to score a layup. The following minutes were uneventful, as both teams took turns surrendering the ball while looking for opportunities on the basket that did not come. Freshman Bridget Trainor broke the stalemate with two free throws after being fouled by the Warriors’ defense. Capone, Perry, and Mckeon tallied the final points of the game, the buzzer sounding as their baskets brought the score to 72-50, marking another well-earned victory for the Rams. Perry noted the Rams’ chosen style of play was a cornerstone in ensuring their win. Perry said, “We wanted to push the ball up the court and play assist-minded basketball, sharing the ball and trying to get open looks in open court. I would say we were successful in doing so!” Mckeon said the Warriors “played us in a zone defense, which allowed us to get open shots and drive to the middle, which we scored many points off of.” Haselton, Greene, Perry, Mckeon, and Schels led the team in points during the match. Schels has been one of the team’s top scorers this season. She noted she has her offense to thank for her success. Schels said, “My teammates just really help me out. They put me in positions to be able to score. I think because we’ve gotten into the flow so many times, it's just easy to go out there and play with no pressure.” Coach Walter Paschal said this game was a good benchmark for the team going into a full week of practice. He said the team will “go at each other really hard for the next few days” during drills to prepare for the final games of the season. Schels preached the same, saying the break will help the team “prepare for two in-conference games and try to end up in the top of our conference.” Mckeon said, “We’re keeping each other upbeat and taking it one game at a time - scouting our next opponents and coming up with strategies to help us come out with some more wins.” Perry said, “Looking towards the end of the regular season, we are preparing by focusing more on fine tuning our play. Practice intensity has been amped up to finish out strong!” The Rams will play their final home game against Worcester State next Wednesday, Feb. 19.