ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College women's basketball team, coming off an impressive opening night victory over Bay Path University, improved to 2-0 on the season by defeating Mount Holyoke College 61-43 Sunday afternoon.

The Raptors (2-0) found themselves in a hole early on, as the Lyons (1-3) started off strong and got out to a 12-4 lead midway through the first quarter. But Bard then took control, going on a 16-0 run highlighted by four points from senior Caleigh DeCaprio and 10 from sophomore Christina Kiser to take an eight point lead. Mount Holyoke responded with a 7-0 run of their own, and ended the quarter trailing the Raptors by a 22-19 score.

Midway through the second quarter with Bard's lead down to just one, junior Katie Esposito created some separation, making back-to-back baskets to put the Raptors up 27-22. Kiser then made two baskets of her own to extend the lead to nine, and Bard ended the half with a 33-28 lead as the Lyons added a few baskets late in the period.

The Raptors opened up the second half on a 6-2 run to once again take a nine point lead, and were able to carry a 45-36 advantage into the fourth quarter. The team traded baskets early in the final period, but Bard then took control midway through, scoring eight of the next 10 points to open up a comfortable lead, and closed the day out with a strong 61-43 victory.

On the day, Kiser led the Raptors with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Esposito added seven points and a team-high 15 rebounds. Freshman Marissa Munsell chipped in with 8 points and grabbed three rebounds, and the team as a whole went 18-22 from the free throw line while combining for 13 steals.

Bard is back in action Wednesday, Nov. 20, when they travel to Bronxville, N.Y. to take on Sarah Lawrence College, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.