Defending MASCAC women's basketball champion Westfield State University opened the 2019-20 campaign with an 81-72 non-conference win at Dean College in Franklin on Saturday afternoon.

Westfield led 41-39 at the half, but pulled out to an 11-point advantage in the third quarter, then hung on down the stretch for the win.

Westfield (1-0) was led by 14 points, four assists and three steals from senior point guard Chelsea Moussette (Southampton, Mass.). Melissa Gray (Peabody, Mass.)added 13 points and Jordan Halgas (Ware, Mass.) 12 in a balanced team effort forr the Owls.

The Owls forced 30 turnovers and came up with 21 steals, but shot just 20 percent (10-50) from three point range.   The 50 three-point tries from the Owls match the second-highest total in team history.  The Owls led the nation in three pointers made and attempted a year ago.

Makayla Rudder scored 23 points to lead the Bulldogs(0-1), while Alexah Potter added 20.

Westfield will be back in action for their home opener on Tuesday evening, hosting Keene State in a non-conference tilt that tips off at 6:00 p.m.