NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with an 85-41 victory over Mitchell College on Friday evening at the Yarnall Athletic Center.

The Camels shot 13-for-34 from three-point range and got a career-high 20 points from Catherine Cole (Lebanon, N.H.), who finished 8-for-11 from the floor and 4-for-5 from deep. Mia Xerras (Charlotte, N.C.) added 12 points on four treys while Lily Funk (East Rochester, N.Y.) netted all 12 of her points in the fourth quarter.

Xerras drilled a pair of early threes and Hayle Thompson (Maynard, Mass.) chipped in two fast-break buckets as Conn raced out to a 10-2 advantage. The fast start helped the Camels to a 19-13 lead by the end of the period.

Cole outscored the Mariners by herself in the second quarter, pouring in 10 points and draining a pair of threes as the Camels extended the lead to 42-21 by intermission. Conn held Mitchell to just eight points on 3-for-14 shooting and forced five turnovers in the frame.

Cole tacked on five more points in the third quarter before taking a seat, finishing with more points than minutes played (19). With a quick turnaround and another game slated for Saturday, the Camels rested their five starters in the fourth as the bench outscored Mitchell 21-11 over the final 10 minutes. Funk shot 5-for-5 and nailed two threes in the quarter to lead the charge. 

The Camels finished with a 41-24 advantage on the glass as Sydney Marshall (Enfield, Conn.) grabbed a game-high seven rebounds. Xerras led all players with six assists and also added a steal. Sofia Tavarez (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.)—one of three Conn newcomers who made their collegiate debut—finished with eight points. Brett Zanardi also picked up his first career victory as a college head coach on the night.

Conn (1-0 overall) will next host Roger Williams University on Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m.