BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Villa Maria College women's basketball team began their season on Wednesday, as they hosted Bryant and Stratton-Buffalo. The first quarter was back-and-forth and competitive, but early foul trouble and unfortunate turnovers put the Vikings in a tough position at half-time. When the final horn sounded, the Bobcats came out on top, defeating Villa, 77-43.
 
With the loss the Vikings start the season 0-1, and Bryant and Stratton elevate their record to 5-2 on the year. 
 
Villa started the game slow on defense and fell behind 6-0, but Chmicka Kennedy hit a three-point for the team's first bucket and then Leah McQuiller converted a layup to cut the deficit to one. Danyea Barclay added to the scoring with a layup at the 3:12 mark of the first quarter and Kennedy hit another bucket of her own to make the score 11-10. The second frame was cold for the Vikings, scoring only eight points. At the half, the team was down 31-18 and they shot 7-for-28 from the field and turned the ball over 15 times.
 
In the second half, Villa was outscored 46-25 and the final score was 77-43. Barclay recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while swatting away five shots. Kennedy was the leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting. She also collected five rebounds and four steals. 
 
The next competition for the Vikings will be on Thursday, Feb. 11 against Bryant and Stratton-Rochester. The game will begin at 4:30 p.m.
 
Stay up to date on all of your Vikings scores and awards by following @VillaVikings on Twitter and by liking the "Villa Maria Vikings" Facebook page.