Box Score

BABSON PARK, Mass. -- In opening-round action of the Babson College Invitational presented by Irving Oil, the host Beavers got a double-double from forward Linsey Poulson '08 (Leominster, Mass.) on their way to a 64-49 victory over the University of New England Saturday evening in a mutual season-opener for both teams.

The Beavers advance to face Western New England College, a 73-64 winner in Saturday's other opening-round game. UNE will tackle Williams College Sunday (Nov. 18) at 1:00 p.m.

Babson scored the opening six points of the game and would never trail.  After building an eight-point lead (16-8) eight minutes in, the hosts saw their lead evaporate as UNE responded by going on an 14-6 run--capped by a three-pointer from Alli Gamache '09 (Dudley, Mass.)--to pull even with 6:23 left on the clock.

The Beavers would immediately regain momentum as Cailtin Fenn '08 (Niantic, Conn.) keyed an 8-0 spurt over the next 2:30.  Babson led 36-24 at intermission.

Babson was able to start quickly in the second half, opening up 57-36 advantage over the initial 10 minutes of the second frame.  The Beavers would maintain a double-digit advantage the rest of the way. 

Poulson had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the winners, while Fenn finished with a game-high 15 points to go with five caroms.  Rebecca Bowman '11 (Melrose, Mass.) came off the bench to add 10 points.

Babson held a 54-43 advantage on the boards to overcome shotty 46.7 percent (7 of 15) shooting from the free throw line.

Katie Diggins '10 (Merrimack, N.H.) had 11 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks for UNE.  A pair of first-years added strong performances for the Big Blue.  Carrie Bunnell '11 (Barnet, Vt.) tallied 10 points, while forward Kylie Bragdon '11 (Winter Harbor, Maine) pulled down 14 boards to go with seven points and a pair of steals.

The Nor'easters struggled from the floor, making just 19 of 72 attempts (26.4 percent).

(posted Nov. 17, 2007 | 21:10 ET - edited 21:23 ET)