BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Thiel College women's basketball team lost its season opener on the road Saturday 90-76 to the Buffalo State Bengals during the first day of competition in the Betty Abgott Invitational.

The Bengals jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and led the Tomcats 42-28 at halftime. Thiel kept pace with Buffalo Sate in the second half, 48-48, but was unable to put a dent in Buffalo State's 14-point halftime lead. 

Thiel junior forward Jaclyn Watkins scored a team-high 19 points to go along with eight rebounds while Taylor Ketler scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds. Freshman Brijae Journee also scored 12 points for the Tomcats.

Ashley Wallace scored a game-best 21 points for the Bengals while grabbing eight rebounds. Brittnee Perry scored 13 points while Jordan Yastremski notched a double-double with a game-high 14 rebounds and 11 points. 

The Tomcats (0-1) will play Hamilton in the tournament consolation game Sunday at noon. Buffalo State will take on Ohio Wesleyan in the tournament championship game at 2 p.m.