WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania - With the long offseason finally behind them, the Salem women's basketball team hit the court today in their season opener. They had the Rams of West Chester to contend with in that contest, and while Salem had their bright spots, they ultimately fell 72-33.

In the opening quarter, the Tigers had a tough time getting the offense going, but kept things close with some strong defensive work by Kamarice Jackson. 

To open the second, Batoul Khaleefah and Akhia Miller ate into the West Chester lead with some much needed offensive strides. However, West Chester maintained a 34-16 lead going into the half. 

After the intermission, the Tigers shifted their focus on the interior. Taja Brown and Aleeya Silver added that scoring punch down low, but Salem still had some work to do as they trailed West Chester 51-24 going into the 4th. 

In that final frame, the Tigers threw everything they had behind one final push, but it was simply too little too late. Salem could not keep pace with the Rams down the stretch, and therefore fell 72-33. 

Statistically, the Tigers were led by Taja Brown with 12 points. Batoul Khaleefah finished just short of double figures with 9 points as well. 

The Tigers will not have long to regroup as they continue their stay in West Chester tomorrow in a neutral site contest against Kutztown at 1 PM.