UTICA, NY - The Northampton women's basketball team opened the Tara Belfield era on Saturday night in Utica, NY, dropping their season-opener to the host Hawks of Mohawk Valley, 72-43, in the first round of the Torchia Classic. 

Mohawk Valley, ranked 3rd in the NJCAA national poll, jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead and took a 39-13 advantage into the locker room at halftime.  "We tried to set some realistic goals at halftime," commented Head Coach Tara Belfield, "despite being down 26 points, we challenged the girls to win the 3rd quarter (lost 15-13) and to play with a purpose and I thought our effort and execution in the second half was much better."

Julia Craig (Saylorsburg, PA/Pleasant Valley) had 3 assists, Jenesa Fields (Broadheadsville, PA /Pleasant Valley) hauled down 7 rebounds and Amber Farnholtz (Northampton, PA/Northampton ) scored a team-high 14 points to lead the Spartans. 

Saturday's game marked the first time in 25 years that someone other than Art Wolfe was in charge of the Spartans on the sideline, with Belfield taking over for her longtime mentor, who retired after the 2015 season. 

Northampton will play Queesborough Community College on Sunday at 12pm in the consolation game.