LAKELAND, Fla. – The William Carey Women's Basketball Team opened up their 2022-23 season with a 68-55 victory over Webber International Friday afternoon, in the SSAC/SUN Conference Challenge.

The Lady Crusaders got off to hot start, opening the first quarter on an 8-0 run.  The Warriors answered with five straight points but WCU countered with 13 straight points of their own to take a 21-5 lead into the second quarter.  The Carey offense continued their attack in the second quarter stretching their lead to as many as 27 before taking a 41-15 lead into the break.

The Lady Crusaders were never really threatened in the second half leading by as many as 33 points.

Lauren Rowley led four players in double figures with 15 points.  Rebekah Engle added 13 points and eight rebounds with Kolten Blakeney recorded her first double double as a Lady Crusader with 11 points and 12 rebounds.  Zoey Cooley finished with 11 points.

WCU is back in action tomorrow as they take on Keiser University at 10:00 am.