FERRUM, Virginia -- Aisha Martin had 17 points in leading Ferrum College to a season-opening women's basketball win at home over William Peace University, winning 71-45 tonight in non-conference play at Swartz Gym.

RECORDS
Ferrum (1-0)
William Peace (0-2)

THE BASICS
Ferrum jumped out to a 14-0 lead, including a three-pointer and jumper by Martin, and a three-pointer by Asya Williams. Jessica Worthey got William Peace on the scoreboard with 37 seconds left in the first quarter when she converted a layup, and the period ended with the Panthers on top 17-5.

DeZhenae Stewart opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, Allyson Cassell added a jumper and Taryn Blankenship converted a pair of free throws to push the Panther lead to 24-5. Ferrum closed out the first half on top 41-22. 

William Peace outscored Ferrum 14-13 in the third quarter, but Ferrum's lead was still substantial at 54-36 after three full quarters. Martin and Blankenship each hit a pair of free throws early in the fourth quarter to make it a 59-38 game and the Panthers cruised from there to the win.

KEY STATS
Ferrum: Martin 17 pts; Cassell 12 points, 7 reb; Blankenship 9 pts; Kleiauna Riddick 9 pts
William Peace: Alayna Randolph 12 pts

UP NEXT
Coach Bryan Harvey's team will be back in action this weekend at the Sara Lee Classic, being hosted Saturday and Sunday, November 16-17, by Denison University. The Panthers open the tournament Saturday against LaRoche College. Tip-off is set for at 6:00 p.m. in Granville, Ohio.