Bangor, ME – Husson University women's basketball opened the 2014-15 season with a non-conference game against Bates on Tuesday night at Newman Gymnasium. Despite a close, back-and-forth game, Husson fell 71-65.

The Eagles jumped out to a strong start and led the Bobcats for much of the first half. Sophomore Chandler Guerrette (Presque Isle, ME) led Husson's offensive effort with 11 first half points , while junior Victoria McIntyre (Mars Hill, ME) contributed eight and sophomore Samira Cruz (Orlando, FL) added seven. Sophomore Kelsea Bouchard (Winslow, ME) led the defensive effort for Husson with four first half rebounds.

In the minutes leading into the half, Bates pulled ahead with a slight lead, and the Bobcats headed into the locker room up 42-36. Bernadette Connors (Windham, NH) scored 14 first half points, and teammate Chelsea Nason (Boxford, MA) added 11. Allie Coppola (Tarrytown, NY) pulled down nine rebounds for the visitors.

Husson regained the lead in the second stanza, and much of the second half went back-and-forth between the two teams. With just over six minutes remaining, Bates pulled away for a 62-55 lead. The Bobcats extended their lead to 67-58 with under two remaining. McIntyre sunk a three-pointer to close the gap to 68-61, but the Eagles would run out of time and fall by a final score of 71-65.

Guerrette finished the game with a game-high 24 points and four rebounds for Husson. McIntyre and senior Stephanie Comstock (Bangor, ME) also both scored in double digit figures, with 19 and 11 points respectively. With a double-double on opening night, McIntyre also pulled down 10 rebounds for Husson.

Connors finished the game with 18 points for Bates, and Molly Brown (South Dartmouth, MA) scored 17. Coppola pulled down an impressive, game-high 20 rebounds to lead the Bobcats.

Husson will next host St. Joseph's College of Maine in another non-conference match-up at 5:30 PM on Thursday, followed by the Husson men's basketball season opener at 7:30. Bates improves to 2-1 on the year and will next host the University of Maine-Farmington for a 7:00 PM match on Thursday.