PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Nicole Chaszar coaching era started out on a positive note Saturday when the Western New England College women's basketball team posted a 67-57 win over Colby-Sawyer in a first round game of the Cardinal Classic.

Sophomore guard Jen Dabrowski (Plainville, CT) led the Golden Bears with 19 points after making 8-of-16 shots from the field and all three free throws.

Senior center Lisa Masella (Newtown, CT) contributed nine points and seven rebounds while junior guard Christine Aldrich (Montpelier, VT) added nine points coming off the bench.

Senior guard Jess Harrica (Morrisonville, NY) returned to the starting lineup after missing last year with an injury and had a solid outing with eight points, five rebounds, and nine assists.

Junior forward Vicky Taylor (Feeding Hills, MA) also made a successful return to the court after not playing season compiling seven points and five rebounds coming off the bench.

Western New England College took a commanding 37-19 lead at halftime over Colby-Sawyer, the defending Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament champions. The Golden Bears finished shooting 45.3% from the field.