PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 15, 2011) – The Mount Holyoke College basketball team fell 48-41 in its 2011-12 opener at Johnson and Wales University despite 12 points and 10 rebounds from senior guard Christine Chancy this evening at the Harborside Recreation and Athletic Center. Chancy knocked down a pair of three-pointers en route to her sixth career double-double.

Mount Holyoke also received solid production from first year forwards Nicole DeMarchena and Amber Legare, who scored nine points apiece in their collegiate debuts. The tandem controlled the paint, pulling down 13 and 12 rebounds, respectively for the Lyons, who finished with a 57-42 edge on the glass. Sophomore forward Jennine Vizcaino chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds. As a team, Mount Holyoke was limited to 22.5% (16-71) shooting from the field.

Johnson and Wales (1-0, 0-0 GNAC) was paced by sophomore guard Jenna Juron, who piled up a game-best 17 points. Senior forward Katurah Andrews added 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Wildcats, who shot 30.0% (15-50) from the floor and made 18 free throws.

After falling behind 5-1 in the early going, Johnson and Wales outscored the Lyons 16-2 to gain control of the contest midway through the first half. Juron fueled the run with a jumper and two layups. A pair of free throws by first year forward Natalie DiCocco put the Wildcats in front 17-7 at the 11:33 mark. The hosts enjoyed a 31-19 edge after three consecutive baskets by Andrews.

Refusing to go away, Mount Holyoke exploded for 10 straight points over the final 2:27 of the opening frame. Chancy sparked the rally with a pair of triples. Her second sliced the deficit to 31-29 as time expired. Chancy led all scorers with 11 points at the break. Juron had nine for Johnson and Wales.

Both squads struggled offensively in the second half, combining for just 29 points and nine field goals.

Legare converted a layup to give the Lyons a 32-31 lead at the 17:53 mark, but Johnson and Wales responded with seven straight points to regain control. Juron was once again in the middle of the action, scoring five points on a free throw and two layups.

A free throw by Andrews gave the Wildcats a 41-34 advantage with 8:21 remaining in regulation.

After a Legare free throw cut the deficit to 43-41 with 3:20 to go, Johnson and Wales closed out the game with five straight points. The rookie scored all nine of her points after the intermission. Juron had eight for the hosts.

Mount Holyoke (0-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) is slated to take part in the Golden Bears Hoop Classic at Western New England University this weekend. After facing off against Suffolk University at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Lyons will take on either Western New England or Hartwick College on Sunday.