The Berkeley College New York women's basektball team opened up its 2014-2015 regular season on a winning note on Saturday, as the Knights defeated the Seawolves of Southern Maine Community College by a score of 68-38 in a game played in South Portland, Maine. Berkeley is now 1-0 on the season, while the Seawolves dropped to 2-2.

The opening stages of the game were back-and-forth, with the teams exchanging the lead eight times. A made jump shot by Southern Maine Community College's Alicia Hoyt tied the game at 12 with 9:31 remaining in the first half, but it all Knights from that point on. Berkeley College outscored the seawolves 22-7 for the remainder of the session while holding SMCC to just one field goal during that span. At the half, the Knights held a commanding 15 point lead, 34-19.

Berkeley College gradually built its lead in the second stanza, paced by newcomer Champagne Hazel who netted 13 of her game-high 23 points in the second session. The Knights' biggest lead at one juncture was 32 points, and Berkeley went on to win by 30 in a very impressive showing for the team in its season-opener.

In addition to Hazel's 23 poiints, senior forward Milan Germany posted a double-double as she dropped in 16 points while snatching 10 rebounds. She also swatted four shots and tallied three steals. Point guard Janay Thomas contributed 10 points, four assists, and three steals, as well.

Despite the loss for Southern Maine Community College, Amira Jones grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds while scoring a team-high 12 points. Alicia Hoyt added eight points and three rebounds in a losing effort.

The Knights connected on 39.4 percent of their attempts from the floor on the day (28-71) while holding the Seawolves to just a 25 percent conversion rate (14-56). Berkeley dished 12 assists to Southern Maine Community College's six, and the Knights forced 34 Seawolve turnovers while committing just 15 of their own. Berkeley College also held a 36-24 edge in points scored in the paint. Southern Maine Community College out-rebounded the Knights 46-40 on the afternoon.

Berkeley College will return to action tomorrow afternoon, as the Knights will look to open up the season 2-0 when they face the University of Maine Machias. Start-time for that game is scheduled for noon.