BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton women's basketball team dropped their season-opener on Thursday evening, falling 55-40 to NJCAA Division II Essex County College. 

Chiyane Perkins (Philadelphia, PA/Olney Charter ) led the Spartans with 20 points and McKenzie Newhart (New Milford, PA/Montrose Area ) added 8 points and 11 rebounds.  Briana Peterson pulled down 15 rebounds to lead Northampton on the boards, while Ashley Robinson (East Stroudsburg, PA/East Stroudsburg South) added 11.

"Overall we really struggled offensively," lamented Head Coach Alyssa Bonenberger, "turnovers killed us, as did our shooting (28%) ... there were some positives as well, but we definitely need to get back to work on Friday to prepare for this weekend."

Northampton, 0-1 overall, hosts NJCAA Division II Niagara County Community College on Sunday at noon.