ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College women's basketball team lost a thriller in its opener, 82-75, to Sarah Lawrence on Tuesday night.

Sarah Lawrence extended a three-point halftime lead to 11 by the end of the third quarter, but a 12-2 run to start the fourth quarter cut Bard's deficit to 66-65 with 7:46 left in the game. Bard tied it a minute later but never regained the lead.

"It wasn't the result we wanted, but I was really pleased with the energy from everyone," Bard coach Casi Donelan said. "Thalia Grandinetti, playing in her first college game ... Maggy Peyton ... the whole team was really fired up and I'm very excited about that. There are so many good things to take from this game."

Christina Kiser was unstoppable for Bard, finishing with 39 points, 13 rebounds four assists and a steal. Grandinetti scored 17 in her collegiate debut, Olivia Couture had eight points and eight rebounds and Peyton finished with four points, five rebounds, a block and an assist in her first college game. Mae Redmond chipped in with seven points and three rebounds, and it was her debut as well.

"Christina was ... Christina ... she's just amazing," Doneland said. "We're looking forward to building on this when we travel to a tournament this weekend."

Bard next participates in the University of St. Joseph Tip-Off Tournament in West Hartford, Conn. Bard will play Lehman on Friday night, with the consolation and championship games the next day.