HICKORY, N.C. — Behind a smothering defensive effort, the Catawba Valley Community College women's basketball team won its 2017-18 season opener 111-30 against the North Greenville JVs on Friday at the Tarlton Complex.

Sophomore guard Shaniya Lester led the way for the Red Hawks (1-0), scoring a team-high 25 points. Forward Joyous Wilson added 16 points in the win for CVCC, and teammate Zharia Brown chipped in 14 points.

Six Red Hawks reached double digits in scoring in the contest, including Nicole Lyerly, Nikkyana McCaskill and Tanisha Wall with 12 points apiece.

Catawba Valley led 29-3 after the first quarter of the contest, and after taking a 60-12 advantage into at halftime, the Red Hawks outscored the Crusaders 51-18 in the second half en route to the victory.

CVCC is back in action Sunday with a home scrimmage against Lenoir-Rhyne University. Game time is set for 3 p.m.