HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – A big run to close out the second period allowed the Centenary University women's basketball team to hold off a second half charge by Delaware Valley University and claim a 70-59 win in the season opener for both squads.

Taking the court for the first time in 622 days, the Cyclones took a little bit to get going. Trailing 5-4 with 4:31 to go in the first period, Centenary went on an 8-0 run and took a 12-5 lead with 2:21 remaining. Senior Taylor Bossert drained a pair of threes in that stretch.

The two teams traded baskets as a pair of free throws from senior Molly Collins gave the Cyclones a 16-13 lead after one.

Delaware Valley scored four of the first five points in the second quarter and tied the game at 17-17 with 8:22 remaining until the half.

Following a timeout from head coach Rose Haller, the Cyclones exploded for a 21-4 run to close out the period. That scoring spurt turned a tie game into a 17-point advantage, 38-21 for the home team.

Senior Jessica McKenzie and junior Carmen Escano each scored six points in that stretch while freshman McKayla Mooney had a huge three-pointer for her first career basket.

Centenary opened the third quarter on a 9-3 run and quickly pushed its advantage to, 47-24 with 5:38 to go in the period. Bossert had five points in that stretch to help the Cyclones take their largest lead of the game.

The two teams continued to battle on both ends of the court. A three-pointer from Bossert in the final 20 seconds gave Centenary a 55-36 lead with 10 minutes to play.

Delaware Valley opened the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run and cut the Centenary advantage to 10, 57-47 with 4:12 remaining in the game. Haley Keenan had six points during that stretch.

The two teams battled over the final four minutes but Centenary was 5-for-6 from the foul line in the final minute to seal a 70-59 victory.

Centenary shot 54.2% from the field and knocked down six three-pointers. The Cyclones went 12-for-16 from the foul line. Delaware Valley shot 33.9% from the field and was 17-for-26 from the charity stripe. Centenary held a 37-30 edge in the rebounding battle.

Bossert paced Centenary with a game and career-high 25 points in the contest and added two assists. Escano posted her first double-double of the year with 12 points and 10 rebounds while McKenzie added 12 points.

Lauren Moretti led Delaware Valley with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Centenary is back in action when it visits Lancaster Bible on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m.