Huntingdon, PA… The College of New Jersey women's basketball team (4-6) dropped a hard fought game to DeSales University (8-1) 75-56 in the opening game of the Juniata College Holiday Tournament.

The Bulldogs opened the game on a 7-2 run, which the Lions quickly countered with an equalizing 7-2 run, five points coming from Kate O'Leary (Trumbull, CT / Trumbull) to knot up the game at 9-9. O'Leary scored 14 points, including hitting 4-of-6 from deep, to pace TCNJ.

DeSales led after the opening quarter 15-12.

DeSales started the second quarter hot from the field, using a 17-4 run to break the game open. Megan Baird scored eight of her 14 points during the run, leading the Bulldogs to a 35-25 halftime lead.

The two teams continued to battle in the third quarter with DeSales pushing the lead to as high as 17 en route to a 53-40 advantage heading into the final frame.

O'Leary opened the fourth with a three-pointer to trim the Bulldogs deficit to 10, but that was as close as the Lions would get.

Overall, TCNJ struggled with ball security coughing up possession 21 times to DeSales 10, contributing to the Bulldogs 29-4 advantage off turnovers.

The Bulldogs were led by Morgan McCollian, who finished with a game high 21 points.

Chiara Palombi (Manasquan, NJ / Manasquan) scored 12 points, Nikki Schott (Washington, NJ / Warren Hills) finished with 10 points, and Charlotte Schum (East Hanover, NJ / Morris Catholic) chipped in 11 points to go along with eight rebounds.

The Lions return to action tomorrow at 12:00 pm, when they battle Arcadia University in the second day of the Juniata College Holiday Tournament.