The Virginia Wesleyan University women's basketball team (1-0) started its season strong with a 108-86 victory over Greensboro.
Brianna Long led the team with 36 points shooting 13-for-16 from the field, shooting 10-for-11 from the free throw line, recorded 17 rebounds, two steals, and one assist.
Jaiden Hunter had 23 points shooting 7-for-10 from the field, shot 9-for-11 from the charity stripe, had 12 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal, and teammate
Bre Robinson had 13 points shooting 6-for-8 from the field, had five rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.
In the first quarter, the teams played well, with the Marlins leading 10-9 at the 6:11 mark. Then, VWU went on a 6-2 run to take a 16-11 lead with 2:56 left in the first quarter. The Marlins finished the quarter well, holding a 21-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.
To start the second quarter, the Marlins started with a three-point play to lead 24-17. The Pride chipped away at the Marlins' lead and tied up the quarter at 34-34 with 5:01 left in the quarter. Greensboro went on a 6-0 run to lead 40-34 at the 3:25 mark, and continued to do well and held a 44-36 lead with 1:51 in the quarter. Virginia Wesleyan responded going on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 44-42 with 42 seconds left in the first half. Greensboro went into halftime with a 47-44 lead.
Coming out of the break, the Marlins rallied and were able to tie the game at 48-48. Virginia Wesleyan continued to do well and rallied with a 10-4 run to take a 58-52 lead. Greensboro countered with a clutch three to cut the lead to 58-55, but Virginia Wesleyan rallied with a 10-1 run to lead 68-56. The Pride came back and responded with a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 68-62 with 3:56 left in the quarter. The Marlins offense continued to do well, finishing the quarter with an 8-8 run to give the Marlins a 76-70 lead heading into the final frame.
In the first five minutes, the fourth quarter was close with the Marlins holding an 87-81 lead with 5:07 left. With the Marlins holding a healthy lead the Pride had to foul to conserve time and clutch free throws and good press break the Marlins were able to increase their lead to seal the 108-86 win in the season opener.
