Tigerville, SC - Angel McGowan began her head coaching career with a 67-62 victory over the Catawba Indians. The win is North Greenville's first on opening day since the 2011-12 season. NGU shot 36.1% from the field. Karen Donahew led the Crusaders with 18 points.

1st Quarter

The two teams would miss their first few shots of the season. Catawba would be the first on the board by way of a free throw, and would follow with a layup to take an early 3-0 lead. Karen Donahew put NGU on the board with a jumper followed by a three-pointer. After the Indians put up a layup to tie the game at 5-5, the Crusaders would go on a 12-2 run including a three-pointer by Bree Stoddard to take a 17-7 lead. Catawba struck back with a five-point run, then both teams would score two more points to end the quarter with a score of 19-15 in favor of North Greenville.

2nd Quarter

After two successful free throws by the Indians, the Crusaders responded with a three by Savannah Hughes. Both teams would then score five consecutive points to keep the Catawba deficit at seven points. A late run by the Indians closed the gap, with the score being 37-34 at the half. NGU finished the first half shooting 41.4% from the field. Kared Donahew led the Crusaders with 20 points in the half.

3rd Quarter

Catawba would once again begin the quarter with two successful free throws to close the gap to one point. However, NGU then scored their next three points with free throws to increse the lead back to four. The first field goal of the quarter would come with six minutes remaining by Catawba to bring the score to 41-40 with North Greenville still leading. Over two minutes would go by without a field goal. The Indians put an end to that streak with a layup followed by a jumper by NGU's Kira Bell. NGU would end the half with a 7-2 run to take a 51-44 lead to end the quarter.

4th Quarter

Both teams scored quickly with nine points scored between the two in the first minute and a half. NGU followed with a seven-point run before Catawba responded with an eight-point run to cut the deficit to five points. The offenses would stall for several minutes without a point scored. Donahew finally ended the scoreless streak with a minute and a half left with a layup. After a turnover, Bree Stoddard put the nail in the coffin with a three-pointer to give the Crusaders a ten point lead. The Indians scored the final five points of the game, but NGU held on for the win with a final score of 67-62.

Individual

Karen Donahew led the Crusaders with 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Kira Bell began her Crusader career with 14 points.

Bree Stoddard recorded 11 points with 9 of those points behind the arc.

Upcoming

North Greenville will return to action tomorrow to face the Newberry Wolves in Tigerville at 4:00 PM.