Newton, MASS.(11/29/17) – The Lasell College women's basketball team opened Great Northeast Athletic Conference play against Suffolk University on Wednesday night in the Athletic Center. The Lasers fell to the Rams 57-36, moving to 2-2 on the year and 0-1 in conference play. The Rams improve to 4-2 and 1-0 in the GNAC.

The Rams got out to a quick lead early in the opening quarter and held on throughout the game for the win. The Lasers got a balanced attack in the first quarter led by seniors Morgan Church (New London, N.H.) and Jamie Caron (Derry, N.H.). A tight Rams defense though held Church to 1-6 shooting as she tried getting hot early. A little help inside from Caron and freshman Meghan Carroll (Douglas, Mass.) kept it a close first quarter with Suffolk taking a 14-11 advantage. A hot hand from Jordan Hipwell helped the Rams outscore the Lasers 22-13 in the second quarter to give Suffolk a 36-24 lead going into half.

The third got off to a slow start as both teams were playing solid defense. Two steals from sophomore Dana Ross (East Haven, Conn.) and senior Becca Fenton (East Hartford, Conn.) gave the Lasers hope in the third, but they could not overcome the deficit. The Rams then held on in the fourth to take the win.

Suffolk dominated the boards, grabbing 49 to Lasell's 30. Hipwell finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds getting help from teammate Georgia Bourikas who added 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Church led the lasers with 11 points and 5 boards. Ross and freshman Devyn Markland (Derby, Conn.) contributed with 6 points each.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday with the Rams hosting Mount Ida and the Lasers travelling to St. Joes (Conn.) in conference contests.