OAKDALE, N.Y.-  The Dowling College women’s basketball team dropped their home opener 65-54 to No. 19 Bentley University this afternoon at Dowling Gymnasium.  The Falcons improve to 4-2 on the season as the Golden Lions are still in search of their first win and now sit at 0-4.
 
The Golden Lions were led by junior Krstina Surlan with 19 points, 7 for 18 from the field.  The guard also posted a team high eight rebounds with two assists.  Graduate student Nicole Caggiano finished in double figures with 14 points, 6 for 18, while adding four boards and two blocks. 
 
For Bentley, Kelsey Mattice came off the bench and posted a game high 19 points while adding six rebounds.  Jen Gemma pitched in with 18 points, nine boards and three assists. 
 
Dowling led by as many as seven points, 25-18,  after senior Kristen McMahon drove to the basket for two at the 9:45 mark.  But a three from Benltey’s Green on the following possession sparked a 21-0 run that was capped by a three from Mattice putting the Falcons ahead 39-25 with two minutes left in the half.  The Golden Lions put up five of the final seven points of the half, but went into the break trailing 41-30.
 
The Falcons continued their strong play into the second half grabbing their largest lead of the day, 64-43, after a lay up from Carlene Kluge with 8:29 left on the clock.  The Golden Lion got back to within 13 using a Surlan layup, but the Falcons came away with the 65-54 win.
 
The Golden Lions return to action December 3^rd as they travel to the University of New Haven.  Game time is set for 5:30 PM.