NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – The Husson University women's basketball team opened its 2023-24 season with a 67-62 victory over Rowan University of New Jersey in the opening round of the Tyler Tip-off tournament hosted by Smith College.

It was a very even first quarter as both teams scored 16 points with the Eagles (1-0) having the largest lead of the quarter at just four points. Junior Sophia McVicar and senior Makaelyn Porter each with five points in the opening frame.

In the second quarter, the Eagles slowly took charge in the game as they lead for the whole quarter thanks to an opening 10-0 run with graduate student Bailey Donovan scoring six. The Profs (0-2) though would make the game interesting as they scored 12 of the final 14 points to decrease the Eagles lead at the half to just a single point.

Like the first quarter, the third quarter followed suit with both teams scoring 16 points as both teams shot just about 50% from the field with McVicar scoring seven points for the green and gold.

In the fourth quarter, the Profs found their way back into the contest as they held a two point with three minutes left in the contest. The lead wouldn't last long as the Eagles closed out the game on a 11-4 run including seven made free throws en route to the victory.

Donovan scored a game-high 22 points and a recorded a game-high 13 rebounds while McVicar added 17 points and eight rebounds. Porter tallied 13 points while junior Jordyn Lengle pulled down nine rebounds.

In a game that featured 16 lead changes and 13 ties; the Eagles and Profs each shot 36% from the field as both teams made 24 field goals. The Eagles were able to leave their mark in the  game at the free throws line (75%) and three-point line (28%) compared to their opponents at 66% and 18%, respectfully.

With today's victory, the Eagles will take on the No. 4/No. 11 Smith College  tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the championship game of the tip-off tournament.