WORCESTER, Mass. — The Hunter College women's basketball team kicked off the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Tournament with a dramatic 53–52 victory on Tuesday, edging past host WPI in a back-and-forth battle that featured six ties and seven lead changes.

Hunter (8-3, 2-0 CUNYAC) overcame WPI in the final seconds, with a pair of clutch free throws from standout Alexa Charles to earn the victory and advance to Sunday's championship game. WPI answered with a layup, but the Hawks held firm on the final possession to secure the win.

Down four after the first quarter, the Hawks clawed their way back and used an 18-point third quarter to take a narrow lead into the final stretch.

Charles was unstoppable, pouring in 35 points on 12-of-30 shooting, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the line. The All-American also collected 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season and recorded six steals, coming up clutch in key moments down the stretch.

Mia Fuller added five points, including a crucial fourth-quarter layup, while Kennedy DeRuy and Makkedah Murray each knocked down timely three-pointers in the third to swing momentum back to Hunter. Gianna Henriques hauled in eight rebounds and added a block and a steal in a physical interior performance.