ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University women's basketball team opened its season in the win column after an 85-75 victory against Wilkes University on Thursday evening.
 
The win gives head coach Mary Beth McNichol her first career win at Neumann. On the court, Nafisa Saunders led the Knights to the win with 33 points and nine rebounds. Maia Bryson put up 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Chelsea Keebler tallied 12 points, all on three pointers, and three assists for Neumann in their first collegiate contest.
 
Neumann got on the board right away with a 10-0 lead just three minutes into the game. The Colonels answered by scoring the next nine points for a 10-9 game. The teams traded baskets for the rest of the first half and the Knights took a 20-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
 
During the second quarter, the Knights built up their lead again and took a 10 point lead on a three-pointer by Aijea Fowler. Saunders rounded out the opening half with a three points and Neumann took a 42-33 lead into halftime.
 
The Knights continued to add to their lead and led by as many as 16, 55-39, in the third quarter. The Colonels chipped back to within six, 76-70, with just over three minutes left in regulation, but Neumann finished strong and took home the 85-75 win.
 
Neumann (1-0) will host Albright College next Tuesday beginning at 6:00 PM.