MORRISVILLE -- The SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team (1-3) claimed their first victory of the season versus Morrisville State (0-4) 61-34 Sunday afternoon.

Senior point guard Katy Briedis (Canton, N.Y. / Cushing Academy) led the Bears offense with 13 points.

Morrisville set the tone early in the first half behind a commanding 10-2 run in the first five minutes of the contest.

The Bears halted the Mustangs charge when Briedis drained a three-point basket at the 12:33 mark. Potsdam fed off the Canton native as she continued to connect from beyond the arch with nine minutes remaining to give the Bears the advantage.

Junior forward Jessica Kouzan (Webster, N.Y. / Webster Schroeder) followed suit with a three of her own to cap off a 13-0 run and an eleven point lead at the break.

Potsdam continued to hold the reins in the second half. The Bears were fueled by a steady offense and a stifling defense. Sophomore guard Carli Reynolds (Indian Lake, N.Y. / Indian Lake) extended the Potsdam lead to 21 when she stole the ball from a Morrisville player and converted on the other end.

Freshman forward Katie LaVoie (Malone, N.Y. / Franklin Academy) closed out the Bears¹ assault with 35 seconds remaining in the final half to secure the 61-34 victory.

Potsdam’s defense held Morrisville to 29% shooting from the floor and caused 29 turnovers. Along with the impressive defensive showing, the Bears shot 70% from the charity stripe.

Sophomore forward Bailey Weigel (Williamsville, N.Y. / Williamsville East) totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Kouzan contributed 12 points, respectively.

Morrisville¹s Courtney Coley (Bronx, N.Y. / St. Barnabas) led the Mustangs with 12 points. “I thought we played pretty well overall,” said Head Coach Tara Ruckh. “We started slow in the first half but were able to adjust and apply pressure to get back into the game. I thought the combination of a balanced scoring offense and a tough defense was the key to our victory today.”

The Bears return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. in Welsh Gymnasium when they host across town rival Clarkson University.