GREENSBORO, NC- Nataya Atwater set a career high with 20 points in the 2024-25 women's basketball season opener, but the Greensboro Pride couldn't keep pace with the Virginia Wesleyan Marlins, losing 59-46.

Atwater's big day came on 6-14 shooting, including 8-for-9 from the free throw line. She finished the day as the game's top scorer, clearing Marlins' Keagan Schwab by six points.

Virginia Wesleyan opened the scoring with a pair of Bre Robinson free throws 1:09 into the game and extended their lead to 6-0 before Skylar Walston's jumper got the Pride on the board with 7:27 remaining in the opening quarter. Greensboro's offensive struggles continued in the first half, as the Pride were held to just 6 second quarter points. Ball security plagued the Pride throughout the contest, as the Marlins were able to turn 28 Greensboro turnovers into 29 points.

With Virginia Wesleyan ahead 31-17 at the break, Schwab opened the second half by hitting two early threes to balloon the lead to as much as 18. Greensboro was able to cut the lead to as little as 12 on multiple occasions but could get no further.

After Atwater's 20-point night, Walston was the second highest scorer with 6 points, just ahead of Taya Simpkins' 5. Nakiyah Kelly paced the Pride with 9 rebounds, with Kat Robinson contributing 7.

Greensboro's opening home stand continues Wednesday with a 5:00 PM tip against Regent University.