BOSTON, Mass. – A huge defensive effort and 11 points by Eastin Ashby in the first half spelled the difference Wednesday night as the Emerson Women's Basketball Team pulled out a 48-43 win in their NEWMAC opener over Wellesley. The Lions are now 4-1 on the year and 1-0 in conference play while Wellesley drops to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the NEWMAC.

The first half was all Emerson as they held the Blue to 19% from the floor as they forced 15 Wellesley turnovers that they changed into eight points. EC was dominant in the paint as well with 10 points while the difference maker came in Eastin Ashby who came off the bench for 11 points with dropping three from beyond the arc to head into the half up 27-10.

The Blue was down but not out in the second half though, with Morgyne Weaver going on a tear for 12 points to lead the floor. The Lions had to work to keep pace with Catherine Cloutier stepping up for six points with some clutch free throws at the end. While EC was outscored 33-21 in the half, their potent first half was enough to hold it down and take the 48-43 win.

The Lions will travel to Lasell this weekend where they'll take on the Lasers in a 2 p.m. tip-off in Newton, Mass.