MARS HILL, N.C. — The Newberry Wolves women’s basketball team improved to 4-3 (1-1 South Atlantic Conference) on the season Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Mars Hill Lions 69-42.
The Wolves got off to a great start in the first quarter as a three-pointer by Courtney Virgo and a layup by Kelsey Brett got them out to a 9-4 lead. Newberry continued to play well as Virgo made another three-pointer a short time later to stretch the lead out to eight points, a margin the Wolves would carry into the second quarter as they had a 16-8 lead.
An early Keli Romas three-pointer gave the Wolves their biggest lead of the contest at 11 points. Neither team was able to get much traction for the rest of the period until Talia Roberts converted an and-one opportunity to give Newberry a 13-point lead with just over three minutes until halftime. A Roberts three-pointer and a Virgo layup closed the scoring for the Wolves and Newberry headed into the break with a 13-point lead at 31-18.
The Wolves picked up where they left off offensively as they came out of the locker room strong. Consecutive layups by Ericka Wiseley gave the Wolves a 17-point lead just three minutes into the half. Scoring was once again limited in the period, but a bucket from Roberts, a jumper by Virgo, and a layup by Brett kept the lead at 17 points heading into the fourth quarter.
Newberry dominated the fourth quarter offensively as they scored 26 points, their highest output of the game. A Romas layup gave the Wolves their first 20 points with eight minutes remaining and the team kept their foot squarely on the gas pedal. After Romas completed a three-point play just over a minute later to extend the lead out to 23, Kelsey McDermott converted her only bucket of the game.
Two Roberts free throws, a Mylaysia Gates jumper, and a Virgo free throw extended the lead out to 27 points. The onslaught continued as Roberts hit a three-pointer and a jumper to get the lead out to 32. Shortly thereafter, Head Coach Joanna Tincher decided to empty her bench. A Julie Kinard three-pointer and two Taylor Campbell free throws closed out the scoring for the Wolves for the day.
Roberts led Newberry offensively as she led the team with 15 points while making all three of her free throw attempts. Romas had another outstanding effort as she recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Virgo also finished in double figures with 11 points and added in six rebounds of her own. Gates also had a great game off the bench with eight points and seven rebounds.
The Wolves will be back in action on Thursday, December 5 as they will take on Division I Davidson College in an exhibition match-up.