BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Bard College women's basketball team started off the new year with a victory, defeating Pratt Institute 60-40 in Tuesday afternoon's matchup.

The Raptors (5-5) fell behind early, as the Cannoneers (2-6) jumped out to a 14-6 lead thanks to five first quarter points from freshman Beverlee Caraway (Pryor, Okla.). Two late baskets by sophomore guard Christina Kiser and senior guard Caleigh DeCaprio got Bard within four points as the home team took a 14-10 lead into the second.

The Raptors took control in the second quarter, outscoring Pratt 16-2 in the period. Junior forward Katie Esposito scored six points in the quarter, while both Kiser and junior forward Kate Shamro scored four points apiece to give Bard a 26-16 lead going into the half.

In the third, Bard started to run away with the game, scoring 23 points in the quarter and shooting nearly 62 percent from the field. The Raptors opened up the period on a 14-4 run, with sophomore guard Olivia Couture hitting back-to-back three pointers during the stretch. The run gave Bard a comfortable 49-29 lead heading into the final period.

Bard closed the game with a strong defensive fourth quarter, as they held the Cannoneers to just 11 points. On the offensive side, Kiser and Couture hit consecutive three pointers to give the Raptors a 24 point edge, as the team cruised to a strong non-conference victory.

On the day, Kiser led all scorers with 21 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. Esposito had a strong game for Bard, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds, while Couture contributed with 12 points as well. Sophomore guard Jess Rylander helped out with five points, seven rebounds and three assists, and DeCaprio led the team with 10 rebounds on the day.

The Raptors now turn their attention back to the Liberty League, as they host Clarkson University Friday, Jan. 10 in a 5:30 p.m. matchup.