• Box Score

MANCHESTER, N.H. (Nov. 11, 2011) - NYIT women's basketball faced a hard-fought season-opening loss on the road at Southern New Hampshire Friday evening. The final score was 61-52. The game was part of the NE-10/ECC Challenge.

Senior Cierra Baker (Windsor, Conn.) led the Bears with 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Junior Rebecca Lynch (Hillsdale, N.J.) added 15 points for the Bears and three steals. 

Most of the first half was played closed but SNH did jump out to an eight-point edge 16-8 on a three-pointer by Michelle DeRoma at 10:49. Yet, NYIT fought back on baskets from Lynch and Monique Walker (Mastic, N.Y.) to knot the score 16-16 with 7:23 remaining. The Bears continued their rally to take a 20-16 lead on a layup by Lynch, but again the Penmen tied the score 20-20. Southern New Hampshire regained control of the scoreboard and held a 26-24 edge at halftime. 

The score was tied once more early in the second half. a jumper by Nikki Jo Rotolo (Rome, N.Y.) knotted the game 31-31 and a free throw by Lynch gave NYIT a one-point edge 32-31. However, that was the last lead NYIT would have as Southern New Hampshire went on to win 61-52.

The Bears return to action on Saturday, Nov. 12 as they take on the Hawks of St. Anselm's. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. in Manchester, N.H.