The College of Staten Island stayed competitive early but ultimately fell hard to Western Connecticut State, 87-59, in opening round play at the Amherst College Tip-Off Tournament played this evening at the Lefrak Gymnasium in Amherst, Massachusetts. With the loss, the Dolphins fell even to 1-1 on the young season, while WCSU improved to 2-0. CSI will play in tomorrow's consolation contest to FDU-Florham while the Colonials will face host Amherst in the 4pm Championship.

CSI's only lead of the game came on their first possession when senior Danielle McLaughlin drained a three-pointer to open the scoring. From there though the game belonged to the Colonials. Still, CSI was able to stay within striking distance for most of the first period. On four separate occasions the Dolphins were able to whittle down WCSU leads to just a single basket, but each time, the Colonials answered the call with a run of their own.

The most significant came with 6:22 remaining. After another McLaughlin jumper cut the WCSU lead to 26-24, the Colonials stormed to an 11-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 37-24 lead that put them in full control. The Dolphins were able to cut the lead to single digits by halftime, 42-33.

It was the second half, however, that really thwarted the Dolphins hopes of any sort of comeback. From the get-go, the Colonials employed a zone defense that stifled the Dolphins into 19 second-half turnovers and a 9-of-27 shooting performance from the floor. WCSU started on a numbing 23-6 run over the first eight minutes, and from there, CSI had little answer to what became a very balanced and tenacious Colonial attack. From there, CSI never got to within fewer of 19 points, while WCSU posted as lead at 29 before setting on the 87-59 win.

Heather Lee led the way for WCSU, scattering 22 points. Karli Spera netted 18 markers, while Melissa Teel posted 10 points and rebounds. For CSI, the team was led by Kristen Panariello's 16 points. Panariello was making her first start of the season after missing Wednesday's opener against New Jersey City University. McLaughlin added 15 points in the loss while Katelyn Hepworth and Allie Shanahan shared the rebound lead with six apiece.

CSI turned the ball over 33 times to WCSU's 17. The Colonials also attempted 12 more free-throws, earning more trips to the charity stripe.

Tomorrow's consolation game between CSI and FDU-Florham will take place at 2pm.