NEWBERRY – The Newberry Wolves women’s basketball team opened their season with an impressive victory as they defeated Belmont Abbey 79-57 on Friday afternoon in the Sodexo SAC/Conference Carolinas challenge.

The Wolves, who are back at full strength this season, led from tip off to final buzzer as five players scored in double figures. Samantha Creed (Montmorencey, Vic, Australia) led Newberry as she poured in 19 points and five assists. Nicola Handreck, making her first start as a true freshman, scored 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists.

The Wolves and Crusaders went back and forth after Newberry opened the game on a quick 7-0 in the first two minutes capped by a three pointer by senior guard Zara Pearson (Echuca, Vic, Australia). Belmont Abbey kept it within six points until junior guard Colleen Leung (James Island, S.C.) sparked a 14-0 run to blow the game open as she knocked down a three pointer from just outside the top of the key. The Wolves lead 36-16 and took a 39-23 lead into the break.

Belmont Abbey came out of the half on fire as they piled up a quick 7-0 run to make it 39-32 and the two teams went back and forth until the Wolves only lead 46-40 with 14:04 left in the game. A 9-0 run covering a long four minutes was enough to allowed Newberry to never turn back.

Haylee Lepaio (Bathurst, NSW, Australia) with 11 points and six rebounds while Emily Perry (Nambour, Qld, Australia) posted 13 points and five boards. Leung rounded out the Wolves in double figures with 11 points and five rebounds along with two assists.

Newberry shot 50 percent from the floor for the game including 7-15 from behind the arc. The Wolves defense held the Crusaders to 36.2 percent shooting and a measly 25 percent from deep. Newberry held a distinct edge at the free throw line as they went 22-25 while Belmont Abbey only got to the line six times and went 5-6.

The Wolves will be back in action again at Coker in the Sodexo SAC/Conference Carolinas Challenge at 2 p.m. against No. 11 Limestone in a huge nonconference tilt. NewberryWolves.tv will have live audio coverage.