DUDLEY, Mass- The Dean College Bulldogs women's basketball team began the second semester with a tough loss to Nichols College, falling 87-66 in non-league action on Thursday night. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 5-5, while Nichols improves to 7-2.

The hosts led 26-21 after the first period, paced by a massive 14-2 edge in turnovers. Nichols increased their advantage to 15 (50-35) at the half with more stifling defense. The Bulldogs shot 4-21 in the third quarter, as cold shooting allowed Nichols to extend their advantage to 74-46. The Bulldogs could not close the gap in the fourth and eventually fell by 21, 

Dean was led by senior Tori Viau (Johnston, R.I.) who scored 20 points on 9-20 from the field. Transfer sophomore Azaria Landry (Fort Gregg-Adams, Va.) made a splash in her first action of the season, recording a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Abi Boutin (Rocky Hill, Conn.) filled out the stat sheet, scoring 13 points while adding eight assists and seven rebounds. Sophomore Kendrah Doane (New Salem, Mass.) collected 15 rebounds while scoring six points. 

Dean is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Regis College for 1:00 p.m. tip-off in the season opening matchup of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play.