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The women’s basketball team kicked off its season on Saturday, Nov. 6 with an afternoon game against Mount Ida College as part of the 2014 Brandeis Tip-Off Tournament. The Judges came out with intense energy and held it throughout the game, crushing the Mustangs 85-36.

Brandeis had four players in double digits for the game, led by center Maria Jackson ’17 with 19 points. Jackson went eight for 10 from the floor, while sinking three of four foul shots. Jackson was accompanied by Sydney Sodine ’17, who added a career high of 13 points in her first collegiate start, and Niki Laskaris ’16 with 12 points in the game. Guard Heather Cain ’16 came off the bench to round out the double digit scorers with a career high of 14 points in only 17 minutes of playing time.

Not only did the Judges dominate on offense, but they were a presence on the boards as well. Laskaris and Olivia Shaw ’15 lead the team in rebounds, with six each. The team was rounded out by Hannah Cain ’15 who did it all for the Judges with seven points, four rebounds and two assists in her first game back after an injury kept her from playing during her junior year.

Sunday saw the Judges take on Salve Regina University for the championship game of the tournament. The Judges beat Salve Regina 77-39 with the pacing of guard Frankie Pinto ’17, who scored a career high of 23 points.

The game looked grim in the first four minutes of play as no baskets were scored until Jackson broke the drought with a lay-up. This lay-up opened the gate as the Judges fed off the excitement, coming back from a deficit of 4-3 and dominating Salve Regina with a 40 point run. The Judges headed into the half with a massive lead of 43-16.

In the second half, the Judges kept up their intensity, coming out just as strong as when they had ended in the first half. The Judges ended with game with a margin of 77-39, improving their record to 2-0 on the season. Brandeis forced 25 turnovers and grabbed 53 rebounds over the Seahawks’ 35 rebounds.

Four Judges went into double digits in scoring for the Game. Pinto led the team with 23 points, while Jackson and Heather Cain contributed 10 points each. Hannah Cain had 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Jackson was strong both offensively and defensively for the Judges adding another 7 rebounds to the stats. Guard Kyla Gabriel ’16 had a solid performance for the Judges, leading the team with 5 assists, as well as contributing 7 points and one steal.

Brandeis’ Jackson was the tournament’s most valuable player.

The team plays again Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. away against Tufts University.