LAKEWOOD, NJ- For the first time since 2002-03, the Georgian Court University basketball squad opened a campaign at 1-0 as the Lions took care of visiting Mercy College, 62-54, in the Lions' season opener Wednesday evening in the GCU Wellness Center. The Mavericks drop to 0-2 on the year.

Georgian Court last won a season opener on November 23rd, 2002, when they defeated Rhode Island College, 81-68.

Junior Lauren Staats and sophomore Christina White dropped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, to lead the GCU offense. Staats shot 4-for-10 from the field while sinking three from long range and shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from the charity stripe. White contributed a 4-for-10 shooting effort while snagging seven rebounds. Freshman Shaniqua Bacote (pictured) enjoyed an impressive collegiate debut with her team-high 10 boards  and nine points in 33 minutes played.

Mercy's Ashley Borofsky (Jr.-Southington, CT) led all scorers with 17 points in 28 minutes, shooting 6-for-12 from the field and a stellar 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Junior Delmara Reece (Yonkers, NY) posted a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, including 10 of the defensive variety.

GCU led the Mavericks, 27-25, at halftime and outshot Mercy from the free throw line, 76.9% to 52.4%.

The Lions take to the road for its next two when the travel to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (0-1) for a 3:00 PM contest this Saturday in the 2009 Lady Cat Classic. GCU will take on Slippery Rock University (0-2) Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM.