Nov. 13, 2010

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KINGSTON, R.I. - Juniors Lara Gaspar and Sherrie Session each posted a double-double as the Rhode Island women's basketball team downed Colgate, 59-47, in the season opener for both teams, Saturday afternoon at the Ryan Center. Gaspar finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds while Session scored 10 points and pulled down a career-high 10 boards.

Gaspar also dished out a game-best four assists while senior Megan Shoniker led all players with 18 points. Freshman Kerry Wallack, meanwhile, chipped in with five points and eight rebounds in her collegiate debut.

For the Rams, the victory marked their first win in a season-opener since the 2007-08 campaign.

Rhode Island (1-0) managed to build a 7-0 lead while keeping Colgate off the board for the first six minutes of the game. URI then stretched its advantage to 10 points (14-4) after a pair of free throws by Shoniker with 11:02 remaining in the half.

The Raiders (0-1) stormed back with a 13-5 run over the next six minutes to get within two (19-17) but Rhody went on to net nine unanswered points - including a three-pointer by sophomore Ajanae Boone - to take its largest lead of the half (11 points) with 2:27 to go.

However, Colgate pushed back once again - this time using an 11-3 run to close out the frame which sent the Rams into the break with a narrow three-point lead (31-28).

Midway through the second half, a key steal by Boone resulted in a three-pointer by Wallack, putting URI back in front by double-digits (46-36). Rhody, which never trailed in the game, led by as many as 14 - after a pair of free throws by junior Chari Lehnertz - and held on for the 59-47 win.

Overall, Rhode Island outshot Colgate (35.7%-24.2%) and held a 50-42 advantage on the boards.

The Raiders were paced by Jhazmine Lynch and Tricia Oakes who netted 18 and 11 points, respectively. Krista Moser led Colgate on the boards with 12 rebounds.

Rhode Island returns to action on Wednesday night when it travels to take on in-state rival Providence at 7 p.m.