ORANGEBURG - The Newberry College Lady Indians opened the 2006-2007 campaign in fine fashion Wednesday night by handily topping the Claflin University Pantherettes (0-1) by 17 points, 77-60.
Head coach Jason Brink was pleased with his teams' effort after the game, but like any coach still found aspects to fine tune. "We achieved one of our priorities for this game which was to have a strong start from the tipoff," said Brink, "However, we will need a greater level of consistency with our defense throughout the entire game."
On the other side of the ball the Lady Indians (1-0) diversified their attack in the early going with at least seven points from three sources garnering a lead as large as 20.
Carnicha Bellinger returned to the hardwood for the first time in over a year with a 13 point showing. The sophomore forward powered Newberry College's first half surge with 12 of the scarlet and gray's 41 first half points.
Last year's most dangerous Lady Indian, Tonique Frasier, picked up where she left off last season. The junior from Walterboro, S.C. churned out a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, seven of which were offensive boards.
The third source of offense came from the center position in the form of sophomore Adrian Turner. The 6-3 post player connected on seven of 11 shots from the floor chipping in a free throw for 15 points. Frasier was not the only Lady Indian to register in double digits in two categories as Turner racked up eight offensive rebounds, totaling 11.
"I think offensively we had a balanced attack with ten of our players scoring," said Brink, "I am also pleased with our rebounding effort."
The Newberry team continued trends of being the nation's top rebounding club a year ago, dismantling the Pantherettes with 54 rebounds to Claflin University's 23.
Showcasing the addition of an outside game, the scarlet and gray shot 44.4 percent from behind the arch on the strength of 4-9 nine shooting. All nine of junior point guard Monica Alexander's points came by way of the three point shot. Alexander also dished out five assists and ripped away two steals.
With 20 minutes of playing time, freshman guard Brennen Long tallied eight points and six rebounds in her collegiate debut.
"As more of our new players learn our system our depth and strength will only continue to grow," said Brink, "Overall it is great to start off the new season with a road win."
Claflin University received valiant efforts from point guard Ashley Sorrell and forward Taffika Haynes. Haynes was a presence in the paint, but also exhibited a deft touch totaling 20 points with five of seven shooting from the free throw line and a rainbow three.
Sorrell was perfect long range, going three for three from downtown and produced 16 points.
Newberry College next plays Morris College at the first ever Newberry Classic at Eleazer Arena with tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m.
