Nyack, N.Y.- The Georgian Court University women's basketball squad, under the tutelage of new head coach Jasmina Perazic, tipped off its 2014-15 campaign Friday afternoon with an 86-68 loss vs. the University of the District of Columbia as a part of the Nyack College Tournament. It marked the first contest of the season for both clubs.

Aside from a brief 17-16 GCU lead with 12:52 remaining in the first half, the Firebirds (1-0) led the entire way. A Diamonique Carr (Sr.-Camden, N.J.) jumper with 2:54 left in the first put UDC ahead by a mark of 30-44, the high-water mark of the period.

The Lions (0-1) would cut the deficit to within four points 3:55 into the second half after a 20-10 run made the score 54-50. The Firebirds proceeded to rattle off a mini 6-0 spurt to make the score 60-50 and never looked back. UDC's lead would reach 20 points on two seperate occasions late in the stanza.

Bria White (Gr.-Silver Spring, Md.) topped the victors with 21 points on the day, shooting 7-for-12 from the floor. Denikka Brent (Sr.-Chesapeake, Va.) acheived a double-double in her season debut with 15 points and a team-high 13 boards. Tatyana Calhoun (Jr.-Disputanta, Va.) also garnered a double-double with her contribution of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Jess Placher (Fr.-Cape Coral, Fla.) paced the GCU offense with her team-best 18 points in 29 minutes of play. Kiara Colston (Fr.-Burtonsville, Md.) followed with 16 points in 30 minutes while Jaelyn Tweedy (Fr.-Richmond, Va.) cracked double-digits with her 13 points. Damaris Hills (Fr.-Metuchen, N.J.) was the Lions' leader on the glass with her eight boards.

Georgian Court gets right back at it Saturday afternoon in Nyack when the Lions take on Mercy College at 1:00 p.m.