NEWBERRY - The Newberry women's basketball team had a very successful start to the 2019-20 season in Eleazer Arena with a 74-59 victory. 

One minute into the game the Wolves got the first bucket on the afternoon. A layup by junior Keli Romas gave Newberry the early 2-0 lead. She was also fouled on the play to give her an extra shot at the charity stripe. Romas converted the free throw to put the Wolves up 3-0. 

Newberry went on to score the first five points of the game before Erskine got on the board. Four minutes into the first quarter, the Wolves had a lead of seven points before the Crusaders made the score closer. Erskine closed the gap as close as one point a little over half way through the quarter. A made three by senior Kelsey McDermott sparked a 10-1 run for Newberry to end the quarter to make the score 23-13. 

The Wolves got the first basket in the second quarter, to extend their lead to 12, before the Crusaders came storming back. Erskine went on a 11-0 run in a six minute span to cut the lead 25-24, the last time they got the score this close. A three pointer by junior Kelsey Brett was the start of a 13-4 run by Newberry in the final three minutes of the first half. The score heading into halftime was 38-28 in favor Newberry. 

The Wolves kept the offense going after an early steal by Brett that led to a made three by freshman Courtney Virgo. On the next Erskine possession, McDermott got a steal of her own and dribbled down the court for a layup to put Newberry up 43-28. The Wolves out scored the Crusaders 17-15 the rest of the quarter to take a 60-43 lead heading into the final period. 

In the final period Newberry extended their lead as much as 25 with under four minutes left in the game. Erskine went on to score the last nine points of the game to bring the score to the eventual final of 74-59. 

Top Performers:
Newberry
Kelsey Brett - 16 points and four rebounds
Keli Romas - 12 points and nine rebounds
Kelsey McDermott - 10 points and five rebounds

Erskine
Alexis Scott - 23 points and 13 rebounds
Zyria Gay - 10 points and four rebounds
Emani Bell - eight points, four rebounds, and four assists

UP NEXT:
The Wolves stay home to play their second game in the Stokes-Trainor Conference Challenge. Tip-off at Eleazer Arena is set for 7 PM.