By: Adam Purvis ~Staff Writer~

The women’s basketball team opened its season with two home games against non-conference opponents. The musketeers won 75-51 on Nov. 5 against the Wofford College Terriers and 89-52 against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lions.

Xavier quickly made up for the early 7-2 deficit by exploding on a 15-2 run, leaving the score 17-9 with 13:02 left to play in the first half. At the half, the Musketeers lead 36-26 against Wofford.

Freshman guard Marquia Turner had a nice collegiate debut, leading the team with 8 points on 50 percent 3-point shooting at the half. Senior transfer guard Maleeka Kynard from the Ohio State followed Turner with seven points and three steals in the first half.

Less than five minutes into the second half, Xavier powered on with another 9-2 run against Wofford. Kynard continued her strong start with seven more points, leading the women to a 14-1 run against the Terriers.

A dominant 31-point cushion and a strong defensive performance helped contribute to Xavier’s success as the team scored 19 points off 10 Wofford turnovers.

Four players scored double-digits in their debut. Kynard led with 14 points while Turner and redshirt sophomore guard Raeshaun Gaffney added 12.

Junior Briana Glover bucketed 10 points and sophomore Maddison Blackwell led the team with six rebounds.The Musketeers notched the win with 18 steals against Wofford — the most in a game since December of 2009 against Mississippi State.

On Nov. 17, the Musketeers easily defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff. A balanced offensive attack led to yet another high scoring affair.

Five players scored in double digits en route to scoring 89 points as a team. Sophomore forward Leah Schaefer led the way with 13 points.

As a team, the Musketeers impressed from the foul line collectively making 31 out of 36 attempts, ranking fifth in school history for free throws made in a game.

Xavier plays against the University of Virginia Cavaliers at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20 back at Cintas Center.