NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Coast Guard Women's Basketball scored 34 points in the first quarter and never looked back on their way to a 96-67 win over New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) opponent Clark University on Wednesday evening. With the win, the Bears improve to 9-9 (2-2 NEWMAC); Clark falls to 9-10 (0-4 NEWMAC). 

The Bears were led by junior Kira Wood with 18 points, going 6-8 from beyond the arc. Sophomore Julia Mann and freshman Dorothy Stotts each added 16 points and four rebounds. Freshman Taylor Lynch was perfect from three, chipping in nine points. Sophomore Glory Blethen also added nine points, as well as five rebounds. Lily Mika led the Bears on the glass, grabbing eight boards to go with her four assists and four points. Mann led the Bears with five assists and four steals, followed by Mika, Ward, and Stotts with four assists apiece. 

The Bears used lights out shooting from three to explode to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter. Shooting 8-8 from three, 4-4 from the free throw line, and 11-17 from the floor, Coast Guard found the bottom of the net early and often. The Cougars were unable to overcome the deficit, as the Bears outscored them in every quarter. 

The Bears, who assisted on 22 of their 33 baskets, moved the ball well and saw 11 different players score. Coast Guard made 15 threes in the game for the first time since December 4, 2017, against Fisher College. The Bears shot 57.7% from three and 93.8% from the free throw line, both season bests.

The Bears are back in action on Saturday, January 28, as they host New England College at 2 PM. This will be the Bears' Senior Day, honoring Jacqueline Ward. It is also the second annual SPARs game.