Newton, MA.- The Dean College women's basketball team dropped their week-opening contest to Lasell University 51-69 on Tuesday night in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) action at the Lasell Athletic Center. Dean drops to 5-12 (0-6) on the season, while Lasell moves to 10-7 (5-1).

Within the first three minutes of the game, the Bulldogs jumped out to the early lead. Buckets by Kendrah Doane (New Salem, MA), Abi Boutin (Rocky Hill, CT), and Azaria Landry (Petersburg, VA) got the party started. The scoring throughout the entire opening quarter was tightly-knit. In fact, it wasn't until two minutes through the second quarter where the game was seperated by more than two points. Dean's defense also prevailed early thanks to successful stops by Alexandria Paquet (Santa Maria, CA) and Kendrah Doane. The game was tied 14-14 after ten minutes of action. 

In the second quarter, the Bulldogs continued to show offensive prowess. Azaria Landry and Kendrah Doane connected on back-to-back three-point shots, keeping Dean within two of the Lasers. Abi Boutin also connected on free-throws, making the score 22-23 after three minutes. Tori Viau (Johnston, RI) entered the offensive picture as well, connecting on free-throws and initiating early foul trouble for Lasell. However, after a late offensive resurgence by Lasell, the Lasers entered the locker room leading 31-25 at the half. 

The Bulldogs brought the game back to within three at the start of the third quarter. Kendrah Doane quickly connected on a three-point shot, and Tori Viau followed with a layup. Lasell then went on a 6-0 run for two minutes, extending the margin. However, with 2:56 remaining in the third, the Bulldogs rose to the occasion. Viau, Landry, and Boutin all connected on baskets, in addition to a key stop my Maranda Cournoyer (Millville, MA). Dean only trailed by five heading into the fourth. 

The fourth quarter proved to be the final strike for the Bulldogs. Lasell began with an 11-0 run in the first three minutes, extending their lead 56-40. Tori Viau and Kendrah Doane were able to connect for points in the final segment. However, Lasell ultimately ran away with the win by a final score of 51-69. Both Landry and Viau led the Bulldogs in points, scoring 14 each. 

Dean returns to action this Saturday at 1:00PM, hosting Norwich University at Pieri Gymnasium in more GNAC action.