CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Courtney Pearsall scored a game-high 12 points as the Greensboro College women's basketball team picked up its first win of the season Saturday by defeating the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales, 56-49.
 
Pearsall scored two quick baskets for the Pride (1-4) to start the game before the Wildcats (4-4) used a 6-0 run to gain their first lead of the contest.
 
After the two teams traded baskets for the next eight minutes, Greensboro used a 10-4 run to establish its largest led of the half at 26-18. Marla Crawford and Keyona Hicks each had three points during the run, while Monica Smalls and Leea Parker had two points each.
 
However, Johnson & Wales closed out the second period on a 7-0 run, pulling to within 26-25 at the half.
 
The two teams then played even in the third period before Greensboro opened the fourth period on a 12-4, establishing their largest lead of the game at 52-42. Crawford paced the run once again for the Pride, while Kylee Barry, Hicks, Smalls, and Pearsall chipped in one bucket apiece.
 
Greensboro was then able to maintain its advantage for the final four minutes of play to secure the victory.
 
"I am really happy that we were able to pick up our first win of the season today," Head Coach Randy Tuggle said. "I really think the kids were excited about it, but I hate that it was against a former coach of ours.
 
"There were a lot of kids that stepped up in big moments today. I hope that we are able to take the momentum and continue getting better."
 
Crawford recorded a season-high 10 points, while Hicks finished with nine points. Smalls, who fell just short of a double double, hauled in a team-leading 10 rebounds.
 
The Pride women will return to action at 6 p.m. Monday when take to Mayo C. Harlow Memorial Court for the first time this season against the Spirits of Salem College. For more information on Greensboro College women's basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.