Story courtesy of Rob Palardy, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information

HOLYOKE, Mass. – The Lesley University women’s basketball team earned their first victory of the year, snapping a six-game losing streak to start the 2009-2010 season, by defeating New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) opponent Bay Path College 59-32. The Lynx are 1-6 (1-0 NECC) while the Wildcats dropped to 3-6 (0-1 NECC).

Right out of the gate, Lesley seemed determined to get into the win column by starting the game on a 22-2 run in the first 10 minutes. The Lynx stretched out their lead to as large as 23 points in a half that saw the offense hit 45.2% of their shots on 14-of-31 from the floor.

Lesley took a 37-14 lead into halftime thanks to contributions from several difficult players including 10 points from Kaitlyn Wechsler (MERRICK, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy Academy) and eight points from Hailee Lowe (HAMILTON, Mass./Hamilton-Wenham Regional).

In the second half, Bay Path hung with Lesley thanks to Jessica Hunt (MADISON, Conn./Daniel Hand) who scored eight of her 13 points in the stanza. Hunt worked hard to reach the free throw line and hit 6-of-9 attempts. Hunt also grabbed six rebounds, blocked two shots and had an assist and a steal.

The leading scorer for the Lynx was junior Brianne Caira (PELHAM, N.H./Pelham) who finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and three assists.

The Lynx return to action in the new year on January 7 at home against Simmons College starting at 8:00 pm.