DANBURY, Conn. - Despite game-highs of 23 points from rookie forward Nia Rencher (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.) and 11 rebounds from classmate forward Fatmata Barrie (Staten Island, N.Y.), the Western Connecticut State University women's basketball team dropped a 68-57 decision to visiting UMass Boston in the Little East Conference opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon at Feldman Arena.

Sophomore guard Hialeah Foster (Mashpee, Mass.) led the visitors with 15 points off the bench while classmate forward Samora Merchant (Brookfield, Conn.) pulled down six boards while notching a game-high four blocked shots.

The game was close to start as WestConn took a 14-13 lead into the second quarter. However, the Beacons answered with a 17-9 flurry to seize the lead at halftime. The Wolves were unable to cut into the lead as UMass Boston led by as many as 17 late in the contest. The Beacon's utilized their depth as the reserves outscored the WestConn bench, 39-11. 

With the loss, WestConn fell to 2-5 overall and 0-1 in league play, while UMass Boston improved to 2-5 and 1-0. The Wolves return to action when they host yet another LEC tilt when Vermont State University Castleton travels to Danbury on Wednesday.