ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – Senior forward
Shalette Brown made all six of her shots and double-doubled as the No. 9 FDU-Florham women's basketball team won its season opener over York College (N.Y.) 49-41 at the Dan Greene Memorial Invitational on Friday night.
The Devils (1-0) displayed the defensive prowess that has propelled them over the last few seasons by limiting the Cardinals (0-1) to just 21.7 percent shooting and 13 made field goals.
Brown, a preseason All-American, picked up right where she left off last season with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win. The senior forward also added four steals to her ledger after averaging nearly three thefts a game last year.
Adjusting to the new four-quarter format, the Devils outscored the Cardinals in each of the three quarters and never trailed in the game.
After missing all of last season with an injury, junior center
Rachel Groom returned to the lineup and scored four points and nabbed five rebounds. Groom showed her low-post toughness late in the first quarter when she drove to the rim and banked in a layup, while drawing contact. Groom converted the and-one opportunity at the free throw line and the Devils led 15-11 through one period.
The Devils continued to focus on the defensive end and held the Cardinals to 10 points in the second frame for a 26-21 halftime edge.
Sophomore guard
Danielle Leguillou sparked the team in the second half with a 3-pointer and six rebounds over the game's final two quarters as the Devils closed out the win. Leguillou finished with eight points and seven boards on the night.
Amanda Ruggiano and
Samantha Bond led the Cardinals with 15 and 14 points, respectively in the loss. Bond knocked down a game-high three treys on nine attempts.
The Devils have now won seven straight season openers dating back to 2008-09 season. They return to action tomorrow at 3 p.m. when they take on the host St. Mary's College of Maryland.at 3 p.m. The Seahawks (1-0) topped Oglethorpe University72-62 in the opening game of the Dan Greene Memorial on Friday evening.