Barton, NC—In the first match of the season, the Barton Bulldogs defeated the Newberry Wolves 51-48 in a hard-fought battle. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with action  coming from both ends of the court. 
 
Key Players: 

• Ella Pearson led the way with nine points, six rebounds, and a steal. 
• Jess Tomkins posted six points, 12 rebounds, and control defensive having a block and two steals.
• Nyah Vermeulen also had control having five rebounds, one block, six points, and a assist 

Team Stats:

• Newberry shot 33% from the field and 21% from behind the arc. The Wolves outrebounded the Bulldogs, with a total of 44 rebounds compared to the Bulldogs' 34. Newberry also led in 3-point percentage

• Barton controlled defensively, forcing 15 turnovers. 
• Both teams were aggressive in transition, with a total 8 lead changes as well and the score being tied six times. 

 
The game was tight on both ends of the court. Newberry showed improvement since the last time they faced Barton in 2023, when Barton won 74-59. Overall, the Wolves battled but struggled with possession control, ultimately falling short.