BOX SCORE

NASSAU, Bahamas - The Babson College women's basketball team defeated the Wentworth Institute of Technology Friday afternoon, 65-55, in the first round of the Bahamas Sunshine Shootout. The Beavers will now advance to tomorrow's championship game against the Cowgirls of Hardin-Simmons University at 8 pm. Babson first-year Nicole Wurdeman (Rowely, Mass.) led the way once again with a game-high nineteen points for the Beavers, who improve to 6-3 on the season.

Wurdeman sparked the Beaver offense in the first half shooting 6-for-8 from the floor and tallying four rebounds and five blocks.  The Beavers shot 3-for-3 from three point range and 6-for-7 from the foul line. First-year Michelle Kenel (Rockaway Beach, N.Y.) came off the bench to knock down two big three-pointers to help give Babson a 14-point lead, 37-23, going into halftime.

Wentworth (2-7) fought back in the second half and got to within one, 46-45, with eight minutes left. Babson junior Sarah Hughes (Wellesley, Mass.) then came off the bench to score five consecutive points during a 6-0 run that gave the Beavers a seven-point lead with just over five minutes to play. The momentum continued when sophomore Becky Bowman (Melrose, Mass.) made a quick steal and fast break lay-up to put the Beavers up by nine. From that point on, the Leopards would get no closer than six as the Beavers claimed the 65-55 victory.

In addition to Wurdeman's 19 points, seven boards, and five blocks, Babson received 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists from Kenel. Bowman ended the game with 11 points and a team-high four assists, while Hughes finished with five points and five caroms.

Wentworth was led by Jessie Coffey (Wakefield, R.I.), who scored 18 points and added six rebounds, and Kristen Vallone (Avon, N.Y.), who anchored the Leopard defense with 13 rebounds, three blocks, and three steals.

Babson will take on Hardin-Simmons University in Saturday's championship game at 8 pm, while Wentworth will face Gettysburg in the consolation game at 6 pm.