Box Score WEST HARTFORD, CT. The New England College women's basketball opened their season with a 63-46 win over Curry College at the St. Joseph's Tip-Off Tournament, Friday evening.

With the win, the Pilgrims go to 1-0 on the year, while the Colonels fall to 0-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The game started tightly contested with both teams trading baskets but the Pilgrims were able to pull away later in the first quarter. New England College closed out the first quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 14-6 lead into the second quarter. The Pilgrims were able to hold their lead through the second quarter. The Colonels were able to gain some momentum late, however, and close the gap. Curry closed out the half on a 9-0 run to cut the lead to two. New England College headed into the half with a 28-26 lead. Kirsten Smith led Curry in points with nine while Ericka Pratt paced the Pilgrims with seven.

The third quarter saw even play both ways early on but again saw a strong showing down the stretch. The Pilgrims scored the final eight points of the quarter to take a 44-34 lead heading into the fourth. New England College continued their run in the fourth scoring 11 unanswered points to open the quarter and extend their lead to 55-34. The Pilgrims outscored the Colonels 19-8 in the fourth to win the game 63-46.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Brianna Pierreval led the Pilgrims in points with 13.
-Daleia Boutwell had 11 points and shot 5-6 on the night.
-Ericka Pratt and Mariah Thomas each had 8 rebounds in the contest.
-New England College outscored Curry 35-20 in the second half.

WHAT'S NEXT
The Pilgrims will play the University of St. Joe's (Conn.) for the tournament championship. The game will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16^th.