BOSTON, Mass. -- In the opening of Great Northeast Athletic Conference action for both teams, the visiting Johnson & Wales University Wildcats defeated the Simmons Sharks 56-38 Wednesday evening. The Wildcats improve to 3-9 overall, while the Sharks fall to 2-10.

The Sharks, who shot 28.6% from the floor, were led by sophomore Jen Janiak's  (Chelmsford, Mass.) nine points. First years Liz Brasa (East Hartford, Conn.), Kim Hixon (Taunton, Mass.) and Jamie Zoldy (Watertown, Conn.) each six points, while Brasa was a force in the paint, picking up eight defensive rebounds, a season high.

The Wildcats took the lead just three minutes into the first half and never trailed again as Jenna Juron posted 14 points and Savannah Kresge netted 12. D'Ana Rolle kept the Sharks on their toes with six steals and Valerie Arce came off the bench and added a team-high, six rebounds. Johnson & Wales capitalized on the Sharks errors, scoring 28 points off of turnovers.

Simmons returns to GNAC action on Monday, Jan. 20 at Anna Maria at 2:00 PM. The Wildcats host Worcester State on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7:00 PM.