MONROE, La. – Alayshia Hunter had a game-high 14 points as the ULM women's basketball team defeated William Carey 68-35 in head coach Jeff Dow's inaugural game on Saturday afternoon in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
“It's great to start with a win,” said Dow. “It's huge for the program, coaching staff and players alike. We talked about this a few weeks ago. We have returning players that admittedly didn't play a whole lot the last couple of years. They certainly didn't start. All of a sudden, they are being thrust into much bigger roles. It was good for them to have some success, get some confidence and a win along the way.”
In addition to Hunter's 14 points, the junior grabbed eight rebounds and had one assist and one steal.
Sharnice Brooks was right on Hunter's heels with 13 points and seven rebounds. The senior also tacked on three assists, four blocks and one steal.
Jade Wharton and Chelsea Tieuel each had eight points, with the latter having four rebounds as well.
Keoshya Wilson led the Lady Crusaders with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
Journee Beard opened the season with a three-pointer to jump start a 10-2 run by the Warhawks.
William Carey's Wilson hit a layup to cut the lead to 10-4, but ULM took its first double-digit lead of the game at 15-4 after Olivia Countiss hit a free throw.
Khadejah Buxton's jumper brought the Lady Crusaders within nine points, but Hunter hit a field goal on the next drive down the court to spark a 10-0 run, giving the Warhawks a 25-6 lead with 5:11 remaining before the break.
William Carey kept battling and hit two three-point shots to leave ULM with a 25-12 lead with 4:11 left in the half.
Hunter hit two more field goals and Tyler Holley added a layup as the Warhawks led 31-12 at the half.
Shania Posey made a field goal to cut the Warhawk's lead to 17 points in the opening minutes of the second half, but Aleesha Coulter struck from beyond the arc, giving ULM a 34-14 lead.
Tieuel connected on two free throws with 2:58 remaining to give the Warhawks their largest lead of the game before the final score of 68-35.
The Warhawks take the court again on November 21 as they travel to Stephen F. Austin for a 7 p.m. showdown in William R. Johnson Coliseum.
