The Lady Warriors basketball team kicked off Hoopcoming week in dominating fashion, crushing the visiting rivals Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs 52-22.

NC scored early and often, winning off the boards, grabbing steals, and hitting jumpers in transition. Senior wing Celina Cotton started off the scoring with a long baseline two after NC won the tipoff. Following Cotton’s bucket, the team started the game with a 12-0 run, only disrupted by a Mustang free throw. Kennesaw Mountain only scored four more points in the quarter and failed to score more than six in any of the preceding quarters.

NC’s perimeter excelled against a pick and roll heavy Mustang off, switching with ease and eliminating the chance for easy shots inside the arc. Despite receiving open looks, Kennesaw Mountain failed to take advantage of open outside looks throughout the game, while the Lady Warriors, led by freshman Azonya Austin, consistently drained long jump shots from in and outside the arc, both on open and tightly guarded looks.

NC’s 6’0” junior center, Sydney Solomon, helped the team by fighting for and grabbing rebounds on both ends of the court and providing great second chance scoring opportunities from under the rim.

“I thought the girls played really hard, executing some things the way we wanted. I’m really happy with our effort. We’re gonna play hard on defense, and we’re gonna play together, and that’s how we’ve been successful,” Head Coach John Speeney said.

The Lady Warriors will face off against the McEachern Indians this Friday for another fierce home rival game.