ST. MARY'S CITY. Md. – Four players scored in double figures as the Widener University women's basketball team opened the season with a 72-43 victory against the St. Mary's Seahawks at the One Love Seahawk Invitational on Saturday evening.
 
"We struggled in the first half finishing our shots," said head coach Alisa Kintner. "At the half, we talked about defense, finishing, and getting buckets in transition. We played much better in the second half, but it's still early in the year and we have a lot we can improve upon."
 
A slow start had the Pride trailing midway through the first quarter when a layup by Devan Rimmer ignited a 12-4 run during the final 4:45 of the frame, capped by a Helena Salmon trey, putting Widener up 17-10. In the second, WU extended its lead to as many as 11 on a jumper by Erin Phelan at the 3:46 mark.
 
Widener dominated the early portions of the period in the second half as the Pride outscored the Seahawks 19-8 in the third quarter and opened the fourth period with 14 straight points.
 
BY THE NUMBERS

• Rimmer led the Pride with 16 points while grabbing six rebounds. She also had two steals.
• Salmon posted a career-best 11 points in the game, connecting on 3-of-3 shots from beyond the arc.
• Kyra Schenk had her third career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Six of her boards came on the offensive glass.
• Phelan also reached double figures, netting 14.
• Overall, 10 different players scored for Widener.
• The Blue and Gold forced 24 turnovers and held a 44-34 advantage in rebounding.

 
UP NEXT
Widener plays the second day of the invitational, taking on Mary Washington on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.