SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. --- Senior forward Jessilyn Conicelli scored 32 points and added 12 rebounds on 14-of-16 shooting to lead Biola to an 83-59 season-opening victory at Bethany University on Friday afternoon.

The Eagles open the season with a decisive victory thanks in large part to a solid shooting night, hitting 55.6 percent from the field. A large portion of that came from Conicelli who missed just two shots in the night and was a perfect 7-of-7 in the second half. She added four steals, two blocks and an assist in the victory.

Biola had three other players in double-figures led by junior Emily Drews, who recorded 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Senior center Christina Barclay contributed 10 points and five rebounds while freshman Adijat Adams scored 10 points in her first collegiate contest.

Biola got off to a hot start, hitting 18-of-31 (58.1 percent) in the first half to take a 41-26 lead into the half. The Bruins (0-2 overall) cut the gap a bit in the second, but the Eagles pulled away late for the 24-point victory. 

Rebounding proved to be a big advantage for Biola, which held a 43-22 advantage on the glass. Conicelli had a game-high 12 boards--five on the offensive end--while junior Lauren Gustafson added 10. 

Ayana MacShate led the Bruins with 21 points and eight rebounds.

Biola returns to action on Saturday, traveling across the Bay to face Menlo College in Atherton at 8:00 p.m.