Klein's 25 points highlights Bulldogs', 63-57, season-opening win over Vermont Friday night

BURLINGTON, VT. – Senior forward Alex Klein's (Waterloo, Ont.) 25-point performance helped the Bryant University women's basketball team stay perfect against Vermont, as the Bulldogs edged out the Catamounts, 63-57, in the 2016-17 season opener.

Klein scored 12 of Bryant's 28 points in the first half and 13 of the team's 32 in the second half, including a dominant third quarter. Klein opened the second half with back-to-back baskets, as the senior became the first player in the game to reach double-digits points (12), giving Bryant a nine-point lead, 32-23, the largest through 8:07 to play in the third.

"Alex did exactly what she did all preseason," said head coach Mary Burke. "Her ability to score carried over. A quote I always use is 'as you practice, you will play' and Alex did just that."

The forward would go onto to score the Bulldogs' first eight points of the third quarter, but nearly all her effort was erased along with Bryant's lead, as the Catamounts clawed their way within one after a 9-2 run, in two minutes of play. In a game of runs, the Bulldogs responded back with an 8-2 run, 44-37, after the media timeout, headed by sophomore Kierra Palmer's (Aberdeen, Md.) four points.  After Klein's jumper at the 3:22 mark to give Bryant a seven-point lead, 44-37, both teams went on a dry spell before Vermont Kylie Butler hit one free throw to end the quarter, 44-38, in the Bulldogs' favor.

The fourth quarter saw a number of swings, as both teams traded baskets in the last 10 minutes. The Catamounts found their largest run of the game, scoring seven-straight points, including Kallie Banker's first five points of the contest. Bryant halted the Catamounts' 1:23 scoring streak by putting together five consecutive points, including Klein's 25th point of the game that gave Bryant a seven-point advantage, 56-49, with 2:03 to play in the game. Down the stretch, Vermont's Kristina White hit one from deep that got the crowd on their feet, as the hosts pulled within three, 60-57, with 17 seconds to play. The Bulldogs went on to take care of business at the line, hitting 5-of-6 in the final 33 seconds to solidify their, 63-57, season-opening victory.

"Overall, I think it was the character of the team that was important to the win," said Burke. "The team's refusal to lose and let Vermont come back was the difference."

The story of Bryant's struggles from three-point land in the first half, continued in the second, as freshman Stephanie Lesko's (Rumson, N.J.) three was the team's only one of the game, as they finished 1-16 (6.3%). On the other side of the ball, Vermont hit 7-of-16 (43.8%) from downtown. White hit four of the team's seven as she finished with 12 points. Sydney Smith went 2-for-2 from behind the arc and joined White as the Catamounts' top scorers. Vermont finished 21-for-50 (42%) from the floor to Bryant's 23-for-62 (37.1%), but the Bulldogs outshot the Catamounts from the line, finishing 16-of-19 (84.2%), while Vermont hit 8-of-11 (72.7%).

"We struggled from outside but our staples were our defense, rebounding and tenacity," said Burke. "Our shooting is going to come around. It is especially hard to come out hot on the road and with young kids trying to shake off the nerves. What proved to be the most crucial was our ability to withstand their runs and that along with our staples will benefit us moving forward."

Holding true to their identity, the Bulldogs out-rebounded Vermont, 41-30, led by senior Morgan Olander's (Mansfield, Conn.) nine boards. Freshman Sydney Holloway (Morgantown, W. Va.) commanded a presence on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds, including three on the offensive end, while also putting up eight points. Palmer joined Klein with double-digit points as she put up 12 at the Bryant point. The sophomore dished out a pair of assists, while Olander led both teams with seven.

"Being able to play a number of young players has a big upside," said Burke. "They were able to perform and get some valuable minutes. Our freshman had big moments for us and we will continue to reap the rewards later on."

"A win always helps the team's mindset, especially on the road," said Burke. "It makes the hard work and practice worth it. It is a long season and we still have a lot to work on to get better, but it's a good start."

With the first win of the season under their belt, the Bulldogs will host Holy Cross on Monday, February 14 at 6 p.m. at the Chace Athletic Center.