The UMass Boston Women’s Basketball team started their 2007-08 season impressively.

On opening night at the Clark Athletic Center, the Beacons squared off against Pine Manor College, and after playing a rather close first half, the ladies polished up their game and ended up securing their first victory, 70-51. Sophomore Caroline Ashe put up 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists, including numerous pivotal three-pointers to lead the Beacons over Pine Manor on November 16.

Regis College played Rutgers University-Camden in the first of the two games that night and came away with the win, 65-54. Regis and UMass Boston then moved on to the championship game the following day. The game on November 17 was all UMass Boston until Regis made a 23-12 run in the second half and took the lead 52-51 with only five minutes left.

The game was tied 56-56 with just over a minute left when freshman forward Cammy Brown drove to the hoop, made the basket and drew the foul. Regis was then forced to shoot quickly and foul to remain close, but UMass Boston prevailed and became the winner of this year’s Tip-Off Classic.

The Beacons opened up their options by taking the first two games of the season. UMass Boston’s first game against Pine Manor was rusty here and there, but the Beacons showed a big improvement in the championship. Senior guard Myrna Tangar had an excellent tournament and ended up taking home tournament MVP accolades. She averaged eight points, eleven rebounds and two assists in the tournament.

Senior guard LaKeisha Tucker, who also earned All-Star honors for the Tip-Off Classic, had many key shots late in the Regis game that gave the Beacons an advantage. Freshman guard Stephanie Vasquez showed she could come off the bench and run the floor, and had a great tournament as well.

UMass Boston Women’s Basketball looks as though they could be a serious frontrunner for the Little East Conference. If they continue to move the ball around and keep the turnovers to a minimum, the Beacons could make enough shots to take over the game. By winning the Tip-Off Classic to start the season, UMass Boston has embarked on what could become a very interesting and competitive year.

UMass Boston will travel to Rhode Island College on December 1 to play the Anchorwomen.