DANVILLE, Ky. – Centre women's basketball hit the court for the first time in 328 days Friday evening, but Rhodes spoiled the Colonels' season-opener with a 63-49 victory inside Alumni Gymnasium.
 
The Colonels begin the season 0-1 overall and in the Southern Athletic Association, while the Lynx move to 3-0 (3-0 SAA).
 
Sophomore Payton Herold dropped a team-high 15 points on 6 of 8 shooting – including 3-for-3 from long range – but Centre shot just under 31% (20-65) as a team while connecting on only 4 of 19 (21%) from distance.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- The long layoff may have contributed to a slow start for Centre, which found itself down 7-0 after missing its first nine shots.
- A layup from Abigail Wehby more than five minutes in finally broke the scoring drought.
- Solid defense from the Colonels helped keep the home side in the fight, and, despite trailing by as many as 10 points in the second quarter, Centre trimmed the deficit to just 21-19 at the half.
- The Lynx started the second half much like they started the game, and doubled its points total with 21 in the third quarter to grab a 42-34 advantage heading to the final period.
- Centre had one last push early in the fourth, buoyed by a 3-pointer from Herold and some free throws by Rachel Jennings.
- Rhodes went on 10-0 run midway through the quarter, however, effectively sealing the victory.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Herold's 15 points were two shy of her personal best, set last season against Hendrix (Jan. 24). She added three rebounds, an assist and a steal.
- Wehby, Josie Thacker and Emma Rose Vincent each tallied six points in the loss.
- Along with Vincent, newcomers Natalie Duggins and Brooke Stevenson each made their collegiate debuts.
- Centre held reigning SAA Player of the Year Kiera Downey to just three points in the first half, but the junior finished with 17 to spark Rhodes' second half surge.
 
UP NEXT
Centre has a rematch against Rhodes tomorrow (Saturday) at 1 p.m. ET in Alumni Gym.