Oneonta, NY- In a hard-fought season opener, the Mount Saint Mary College Knights Women's Basketball team emerged victorious against Hartwick College with a final score of 61-53. The game, which took place at Dewar Arena in Oneonta, NY, marked the beginning of a two-day road trip for the Knights.

Head Coach Marion Dietz acknowledged the team's early struggles, stating, "We struggled early to find our rhythm as we battled some first-game jitters. Once we were able to get over those, settle in, and focus on the game plan, we did an incredible job fighting back and getting stops on the defensive end. A great team win for the first game of the season."

Despite a slow start, the Knights showcased resilience and teamwork to secure the win. Leading the charge was Kate Hughes, who contributed significantly with 22 points, demonstrating her scoring prowess. Shannon Phelan added 10 points, while Charlotte Twohig and Casey Love played crucial roles on both ends of the court.

The Knights' defensive efforts were commendable, with a total of 9 steals and 3 blocks during the game. The team's tenacity was evident in their ability to outscore Hartwick in the second half, ultimately sealing the victory.

Looking ahead, the Knights are set to face SUNY Oneonta on the second day of their road trip at 4 pm.