FRANKLIN, Mass.- Senior guard Tori Viau (Johnston, R.I.) could not have scripted a better start. The Bulldog sharpshooter opened the season with a 7-7 first quarter shooting performance, scoring 19 of the Bulldogs first 21 points, en route to a 13 point Dean lead at the end of the quarter. The rest of the way was a much closer battle, coming down to the final moments, but the Bulldogs held on to defeat Mount Holyoke College in the season opener, 65-62. The win was the first for Dean's first year head coach Megan Dixon. 

The Bulldogs took a 21-8 lead after the first quarter, buoyed by Viau's hot shooting start. The Lyons battled back in the second quarter, outscoring the Bulldogs 17-12 to close the gap to eight at the break. Dean outscored the visitors 16-15 in the third quarter to take a nine point lead into the fourth. MHC opened the final frame with back to back three pointers to close the gap to 51-48 with eight minutes to play. Viau responded, scoring five straight points on a layup and a triple to bring the Bulldogs back to an eight point lead. The visitors stormed back. With a minute to go, a layup from MHC's Katie Rha tied the game at 62. Viau was fouled on the ensuing trip, making both crunch-time free throws. On the next possession, Rha missed a jumper to tie the game, and Viau corralled the rebound. After making one free throw, the Bulldogs were eventually able to run out the clock and seal the season opening victory.

Viau finished with a career-high 37 points on 13-19 from the field, including 6-9 from three point range. Senior Alexandria Paquet (Santa Maria, Calif.) scored nine points, while adding eight rebounds, and five blocks. Kendrah Doane (New Salem, Mass.) played all 40 minutes and recorded seven points with nine rebounds and four assists.Maranda Cournoyer (Millville, Mass.) and Abi Boutin (Rocky Hill. Conn.) both added six points.

The Bulldogs are back in action on Wednesday when they host Lesley University at 5 p.m.