ALBANY, N.Y. - The Bard College women's basketball team soared to a season-opening win over Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Tuesday night, 72-49.

The Raptors were led by freshman Christina Kiser, who poured in 29 points, and also produced 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists in her collegiate debut. Kiser opened the evening with a three-pointer, before the Panthers of Albany Pharmacy (0-3) scored eight straight points.

Bard rallied back with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, 10-8, and didn't back the rest of the night. The Raptors led 16-11 after ten minutes and 37-23 at halftime. 

Sophomore Katie Esposito finished with a career-high 21 points in the win. She also recorded a double-double by grabbing 10 rebounds.

The youth of the Raptors shined in the winning effort, as freshman Olivia Couture added 11 points and six rebounds and fellow freshman Jess Rylander finished with six points, six assists and nine rebounds.

On the night, Bard collected a 43% field goal percentage, while Albany Pharmacy shot just 33% in the loss.

Clare Snell (Potsdam, NY) led the Panthers with 16 points and Emma Webster (Cadyville, NY) chipped in 11 points in defeat.

Up next for Bard is the Raptors Tip-Off this upcoming weekend. On Friday, November 16th, Bard will host Bay Path University at 7 p.m. and Maine Maritime Academy at noon on November 18th. On November 17th, Bay Path and Maine Maritime will play a neutral-site match at Stevenson Athletic Center. You can follow all three contests right here via Live Stats and Live Video.