Lakewood, N.J. - Double-double performances from Hanna Thrainsdottir (22 points, 10 rebounds) and newcomer Anyssa Fields (17, points, 11 boards) highlighted the box score Thursday as Georgian Court University opened the 2021 campaign in a big way with a 76-69 defeat of preseason favorite Dominican College in the GCU Wellness Center.

The contest marks the Lions' first hardwood action since Feb. 29, 2020 vs. Felician University ... 334 long days ago. The win represents Georgian Court's second-straight home triumph over Dominican after topping the Lady Chargers, 91-70, back on Jan 12., 2020. 

In a fast-paced initial frame, the two foes combined for 40 field goal attempts as GCU compiled a hefty 27-14 surplus after the first ten minutes of action. The host-Lions proceeded to edge its guest, 17-13, in the second quarter. A successful free throw by Savawn Hughes fluffed the GCU cushion to 44-27 heading into the break.

After a Thrainsdottir layup provided the Lions' a game-high lead of 29 points (58-29) with 5:03 left in the third quarter, Dominican (0-1, 0-1 CACC) ripped off a gallant 38-14 run to slice its deficit to just six (73-67) with only 44 seconds remaining in regulation.

A trio of free throws over the final 0:33 would seal the deal for GCU (1-0, 1-0 CACC) as the Lions registered their second consecutive victory in a season opener.

Thrainsdottir shot a solid 9-for-16 from the floor, while leading the victors with three blocks, in 30 total minutes. Fields, in her collegiate debut, went 7-for-13 from the field while fellow freshman, Jariah Patterson, dropped in 18 points (7-for-14) in her first action. Andejla Kremenovic grabbed 10 boards in 26 minutes of play.

Jasmine Gee (Sr.-Englewood, N.J.) paced the visitors with her team-best 15 points. Taylor Tomlinson (Jr.-Middletown, N.Y.) authored a double-double consisting of 10 points and 12 boards, and swatted a trio of GCU shots. Jaid Harrell (Jr.-Kingston, N.Y.) kicked in 10 points and eight rebounds while Khay'la Latimer (Sr.-Teaneck, N.J.) netted 11 points and dished four helpers.

Georgian Court now prepares to take the road this Saturday with a 12:00 p.m. CACC contest vs. Nyack College. The showdown will take place at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, N.J.