TEANECK, N.J. – Sophomore forward Natalie Kucowski scored a career-high 29 points to fend off a comeback scare on Friday night against Fairleigh Dickinson to win the season opener, 63-57 at the Rothman Center.

The Leopards (1-0) got off to a fast start, converting three consecutive 3-pointers by freshman Nicole Johnson and sophomores Olivia Martino and Natalie Kucowski followed by a transition bucket by senior Alex Cantwell to jump out to a 12-5 lead and force a FDU timeout.

Kucowski scored her 29 points efficiently, shooting 11-of-15 from the field and converting on her lone 3-point attempt. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native also ripped down 16 rebounds, three shy of her career high.

After Lafayette led by 13 points early in the third quarter, the Knights (1-1) went on a 20-5 run and took a five-point lead after Natalie Zamora knocked down one of her three 3-pointers on the night and FDU took a 45-43 lead into the final frame.

The Maroon and White answered as Kucowski drew a foul to open the fourth quarter and made 1-of-2 free throws before FDU converted on a baseline out-of-bounds play. On the ensuing possession, sophomore Drew Freeland knocked down a 3-pointer and Kucowski came right back with a tough finish in the paint.

On the next FDU trip, freshman Nicole Johnson forced a steal and sophomore Olivia Martino converted in transition with a jumper to take a 51-47 lead and force an FDU timeout.

It was all part of an 11-2 Lafayette run that gave the Leopards enough breathing room down the stretch.

Freeland finished the game with nine points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals and Martino added seven points and five boards to go along with a steal and an assist.

Five Leopards made their Lafayette debuts in Johnson and classmates Makaila Wilson, Naomi Ganpo and Giselle Havas, as well as junior Sydney Sabino.

Johnson made her first collegiate bucket on a 3-pointer in the first quarter and Wilson, Havas and Ganpo also tallied their first career points.

Lafayette returns to action on Sunday, playing its home opener against Binghamton with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. at Kirby Sports Center.

For the latest on the Lafayette College women's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteWBB, Facebook at Lafayette Women's Basketball, and Instagram @LafayetteWBB.