SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Senior Nicole Angelo (Mt. Laurel, NJ) tied her career high with 25 points to help lead the Caldwell University women's basketball team to a season opening 83-75 victory against The College of Saint Rose Golden Knights. The Cougars open 2015-16 at 1-0, while the Golden Knights fall to 0-1 to start their season.
 
The Cougars jumped out to an early lead as Angelo scored seven of the team's nine points as Caldwell build a 9-1 lead to start the game. Caldwell extended their lead to as much as 17 points in the opening quarter backed by four triples, two from Angelo. Saint Rose added a couple of late baskets as the Cougars led 24-11 after one quarter.
 
Caldwell continued their strong play into the second quarter as they pushed their lead to as much as 21 points. Angelo drained another trifecta, while sophomore Karlie O'Driscoll (Sharon, MA) added a three-point play in the frame as the Cougars led at halftime 46-31.
 
Saint Rose battled back in the third quarter as they opened the second half with a 21-8 run to slice the score down to one point at 54-53 at the 2:42 mark. Sophomore Kristen Drogsler (Middle Village, NY) netted a triple and added a layup, while Angelo also scored as the Cougars took a four-point lead at 61-57 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
The Cougars pulled ahead by six points early in the fourth quarter but the Saint Rose rallied to pull within two points with 3:18 left in the game. Sophomore Sharell Sanders (Dorchester, MA) connected on a three-pointer and Angelo scored on a lay-up to put Caldwell back up by seven points with 2:30 left in the game. From there, the Cougars headed to the free throw line where they went 5-for-8 in the final minute with Angelo going 3-for-4 to seal the victory.
 
For the Cougars, Angelo's career day led the way as she shot 9-for-14 from the field and 4-for-9 from downtown. O'Driscoll chipped in 15 points and seven boards, while Drogsler added 14 points, four rebounds and two steals. Sanders tallied 13 points, six assists and three steals, while junior Antoinette Pilla (Scarsdale, NY) finished with 12 points.
 
Caldwell wraps up play in the Northeast-10/CACC Challenge as they face host LeMoyne on Sunday, November 15 at 3 pm.