GLASSBORO, NJ -- Sixth-ranked Scranton put together a strong second quarter to help overtake Rowan, 66-52, in the season opener for both teams at Esbjornson Gym Tuesday night. Nicole Mallard scored a game-high 25 points for Rowan (0-1) in the loss.
 
The game marked the debut of new Rowan head coach Kate Pearson, who joined the Profs after 14 successful seasons at Cabrini University, in which she led the Cavaliers to five conference titles and five NCAA Tournament appearances.
 
Mallard connected on 8-of-14 from the field and hit three three-pointers.Kate Herlihy was the only other Prof in double figures (10 points) while Eliana Santana grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
 
Rowan held a 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, and although they extended it to 10, 18-8, Scranton outscored the Profs, 22-8 in the second quarter. The Lady Royals took advantage of 10 Rowan turnovers in the quarter to take a 30-23 lead into halftime.
 
Now trailing 46-36 heading into the fourth, the Profs looked to climb back in the contest. Two free throws from Kristina Johnson pulled the home team within nine (52-43) with 6:17 to play. On Scranton's next possession, a three from Maddie Hartnett gave the Lady Royals a double-digit lead they would not relinquish the rest of the way.
 
The Profs were hurt by 27 turnovers in the game leading to 25 points for Scranton, who committed just 16. The Lady Royals had four players in double-digit scoring led by Kai Kranson who had 17 points and 10 rebounds, both team highs.
 
Rowan heads on the road for the Amherst Tip-Off Tournament this weekend, taking on Springfield on Saturday and then the host team on Sunday.