SWARTHMORE, Pa. – For the first time since the 2007-08 season, the Cabrini College women's basketball posted a victory to open the season, as the Cavaliers topped Washington & Lee University 50-34 at the Swarthmore College Tip-Off Tournament.

Junior Brittany Sandone led a balanced offensive and defensive attack with three Cavaliers in double figures.  Sandone recorded 14 points, including 8-8 from the free throw line.  Fellow junior Colleen Stewart posted her first career double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.  Sophomore Megan Decker added 11 points and 9 boards.

The Cavaliers used a stingy defense to grab an early lead, as they held the Generals without a point through the first five minutes of action.  A Stewart jumper gave the Blue and White built a 24-4 lead with 5:48 to play in the first half.

Cabrini held Washington & Lee to an astounding 2-20 shooting from the floor as the Cavaliers took a 29-11 lead into halftime.  The Blue and White forced 10 first half turnovers and outrebounded the Generals 25-17, including 11-5 on the offensive glass, in the game's first 20 minutes.

Decker and Stewart paced the Blue and White in the first half, combining for 19 points, on 8-13 shooting and 11 rebounds.

The Blue and White struggled to maintain its offensive touch after the break, shooting just 7-31 from the field, connecting on 1-8 fattempts from beyond the three point arc.  Though its offense wasn't clicking, Cabrini continued to exert its defensive pressure.  

The Cavaliers held the Generals to 34.5% shooting and forced nine second half turnovers. Cabrini also continued to dominate the glass, using 13 offensive rebounds to create more possessions and force Washington & Lee to extend its defense.

After missing the 2011-12 season due to injury, senior Laura Caron returned to the court with four points, six rebounds and a pair of assist in 35 minutes.  Junior Annie Rivituso grabbed seven rebounds and tied a career high with four steals.

Alena Hamrick led the Generals (1-1) with 11 points off the bench.

The Cavaliers advanced to Sunday's championship game against host Swarthmore College.  The Garnet topped Chatham University 89-53 in the night's opening game.   Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. following the 1:30 p.m. consolation game between Washington & Lee and Chatham.