Women's Basketball Falls to Conn College

NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College women's basketball team opened the 2014-15 season with a 76-43 victory at Mitchell College on Tuesday night in non-conference action at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

The Camels (1-0 overall) had three players score in double figures led by 17 points from Liz Malman. Willa McKinley added 16 points while Jenna Lovett recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Diamond Thomas paced Mitchell (0-2 overall) with 14 points while Jessica Shepherd chipped in with 13.

Conn College led from start to finish and opened up a 10-point lead after the first six minutes of play. Mitchell went without a basket for a near four-minute stretch in which the Camels scored 11 straight points and bumped the margin to 17 at 21-4 with 11:17 to go in the half. 

Conn College led 41-17 at intermission despite shooting just 24 percent in the opening half. The Camels made up for it in other ways, outrebounding the Mariners 22-2 on the offensive glass and getting to the free throw line 27 times for 18 points.

In the second half, the Camels never let their lead dip below 22 and led by as many as 36. Malman scored 10 points in the stanza and picked up two steals to finish with five for the game.

The Camels recorded assists on 17 of 26 field goals. Carlee Smith handed out a game-high seven helpers while also collecting four steals.

Conn College finished the game with a 53-34 edge in rebounding and outscored Mitchell 19-3 in second-chance points. The Camels also forced 32 turnovers that turned into 43 points on the offensive end.

Shepherd had three blocks and six rebounds to go along with her 13 points. Amanda Garcia led Mitchell's efforts on the glass with nine rebounds.

Mitchell will next play at the University of Saint Joseph on Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m. Conn College returns to action at home against Clark University on Thursday at 7 p.m.