PASADENA, CA – Occidental broke open a tight contest with a surge early in the second half en route to a 61-49 win over Caltech. It was the SCIAC opener for the Beavers and the second league contest for the Tigers.

"I am really proud of our effort. We showed a lot of fight after falling behind early," said head coach Sandra Marbut. "We still have a ways to go until we reach our potential but tonight was a big stepping stone in reaching our peak ability."

A slow start from the Beaver didn't deter their efforts the rest of the game. After Occidental scored the first 10 points of the game, Caltech rallied by scoring 14 of the next 16 points as they took a 14-12 edge with 8:51 left until halftime.

The remainder of the half saw the lead changed hands three times and tied on another occasion, with neither team holding a lead larger five points. Occidental eventually took a 30-29 lead into the locker room.

After intermission the visitors broke open the close game. Occidental held Caltech to one field goal through the first 10 minutes of the second frame as they took a 45-36 lead. The Tigers were able to stretch their lead to 53-39 with 5:35 left in the contest. That 14-point spread represented the largest lead of the evening.

Caltech got their deficit down to 56-47 on a Stephanie Wong three-pointer with 1:13 left in the game but couldn't pull any closer.

The Tigers low post game help guide them to the win as they posted a 26-10 scoring advantage in the paint.  Leading the way underneath the hoop was Elizabeth Messick. The senior tallied a 13-point, 14-rebound effort in 29 minutes of action. Ashton Reid recorded a team high 14 points for Occidental.

Wong had a team best 14 points in her first game of the season. Kristin Anderson chipped-in a 10-point evening to aid in the Beavers charge. Kate Lewis grabbed a Beaver high 13 rebounds.