BOSTON, Mass. -- The Mount Holyoke College Lyons defeated the Simmons Sharks 55-33 Monday evening at the Holmes Sports Center in both teams' first action of 2012. Mount Holyoke's Angelica Pascual went 7-11, leading both teams with 16 points as the Lyons move to 2-8 on the season.

The Lyons took control early with tenacious play by Annabel Barrett who tallied 10 points and consistent defense by Tricia Chase who posted nine defensive rebounds. Mount Holyoke shot 54% in the first half and 45% from the line to enter the half up 32-14.

The Sharks were resilient in the second half, as Liz O'Connor (Milton, Mass.) went 6-8 from the line, and added seven offensive rebounds for a total of 10 points. Alex Acloque (Randolph, Mass.) added four defensive rebounds. Brittany Dolloff (Hollis, N.H.) added two offensive and two defensive rebounds and Hannah May (Hamden, Conn.) buried a three-pointer to end with five points.

The Lyons recorded 23 in the second half to claim their second win of the season. Amber Legare, Kate Karraker and Nicole DeMarchena each added five to round out the scoring for the Lyons.

Simmons (1-8) returns to action on Wednesday, January 4th when they travel to Lesley University for an 8:00 p.m. start. The Lyons travel to Wellesley College on the same date for a 7:00 p.m. start.