Lookout Mountain, GA - Centre Women's Basketball opened their season on the road to take on Covenant, they ended up with an opening season win over the Scots with a final score 68-54
Opening offense was controlled by the Colonels as they jumped out to a 13-0 lead, getting off to a strong start on both sides of the court; Fouts and Edelen combined for 15 early points, while Nipp sparked the run with steals and assists.
Covenant answered with three-pointers from Fuller and Causey to cut into the lead, but Centre responded with key baskets from Russell, Combs, and Fielding. The Colonels held a 23-15 lead after one.
Covenant made a bounce-back in the second, cutting Centre's lead to four by halftime. Sanders started the run, and Fuller added a fast-break layup to make it 23-19.
Fouts sparked Centre with two baskets, including a three, to push the lead to 28-19. Combs added a score, but the Scots answered with baskets from Sanders, Fuller, and Wright. Everett hit a late three-pointer to trim the deficit, and Centre led 32-28 at halftime.
Covenant opened the third quarter strong, erasing the deficit and taking a 42-35 lead behind two threes from Wright and inside baskets from Wilkey and Sanders.
Centre answered with baskets from Combs, Campbell, and Russell to stay close. Edelen, Fielding, and Campbell turned up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and creating transition chances. Edelen scored on a fast break, and Fouts hit a jumper to tie it at 47 heading to the fourth.
Centre dominated the fourth, outscoring Covenant 21-7. Nipp hit a three to start the run, and Campbell added a jumper and another three to build momentum.
Edelen, Campbell, and Combs kept Centre rolling. Edelen's defense led to a steal and a fast-break layup for Combs. Campbell scored twice more, and Combs added points inside.
The Colonels' defense had some forced turnovers to limit Covenant's offensive opportunities. Fouts connected on two clutch free throws, and Nipp added another basket to extend Centre's advantage.
After a competitive three quarters, Centre's defensive intensity and fourth-quarter execution proved to be the difference. The Colonels closed out the game with a commanding 68-54 victory.
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