CHESTER, Pa. - Erin Phelan poured in 19 points while leading the Widener women's basketball team to a 64-58 victory over Swarthmore in its season opener Tuesday night at Schwartz Center.
 
Phelan put in her 19 for the Pride on 8-of-13 shooting and had nine rebounds. The Pride also received 10 points apiece from Nicole Barnes and Gianna Samuels to win their sixth consecutive season opener. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST SWARTHMORE

• The Pride jumped out to a 20-14 lead after the first quarter by ending the period on a 6-0 run. Barnes had four points and Phelan had two in that run. 
• After Swarthmore rallied in the second and third quarters to take a 47-45 lead heading into the fourth, Samuels provided a huge spark for the Pride by scoring seven of her 10 points in the final period. The Staten Island, N.Y. native hit a jump shot, a three-pointer, and a second jumper that helped tie the game at 58 with 3:31 left.
• After Samuels hit her second jumper of the fourth quarter, Phelan broke the tie by making a jumper from the left side and extended the lead to four on a pair of free throws with 2:09 left. 
• The Pride made its presence on the boards, outrebounding the Garnet, 35-29. 

 
Of Note

• The win was the 581st win in Widener women's basketball history.
• The win was the 281st victory of Alisa Kintner's career.
• The Pride have now won the last five meetings against Swarthmore. The Blue and Gold lead the series, 27-9.

 
UP NEXT
The Pride will travel to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Saturday to face Wilkes in non-conference play. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.