MEDFORD, MA – The UMPI Owls women's basketball team kicks off their season with a game vs Lesley University. The Owls would fall in their 2022-23 season opener in a close match up, 69-65, starting their season 0-1.

The Owls would start the game with a five point lead early in the game, before the Lynx followed to bring the game close at the end of the first quarter. The Owls would advance their one point lead to a two point lead going into the first half as the teams continued their back and forth. Emily Wheaton led the way for the Owls early, with eight points while six other Owls would contribute to the scoring in just the first half. The Lynx would then bring the game within one point after the third quarter. The game tied 60 points each with just under two minutes remaining, the Lynx would take the lead by four points before Denelle Eldridge would hit a three to bring the Owls within one with 1:26 left to go. A couple more scores by the Lynx was answered by a layup by fellow first year Olivia Gray to ring UMPI within two. The Lynx would manage to hit their late game free throws to hold off the Owls.

Wheaton led the Owls in scoring with 20 points off a very efficient first game of her graduate year. Shooting 6-12 from the field and an impressive 5-6 from three and 3-4 from the free throw line. Adding five rebounds and three steals to her stat line. Alexis Ireland then followed in scoring with eight points and seven rebounds. The Owls would finish the game with ten players adding to the scoring.

The Owls will continue their season opening weekend vs the MCLA Trailblazers on Sunday at noon.