Brunswick, Ga. -- The College of Coastal Georgia defeated Life University 62-55 for win number one for new head coach
Katie Novak-Lenoir with the Mariners.
Novak-Lenoir, entering her tenth season as a head coach but first with Coastal Georgia, saw the Mariners put forth a timely offensive performance and a dominating defensive performance in earning their first win of the season. In addition to it being the season-opener, it was also a Homecoming victory for Coastal Georgia, now 1-0.
"It was a sloppy first game, but what I'm happy with is our fight, working through adversity. It was the first time we played against anybody else and Life is a really tough, physical, athletic team and I think they were a great test for us. Definitely exposed some of our weaknesses, the defensive rebounding side, taking care of the ball. But we have a lot that we can work on going forward," explained Novak-Lenoir. "I'm proud of the effort today and, even though it wasn't our best game in the world, I thought it was a really good starting point and we have a lot to work on from here."
Senior
Taylor Blackshear led the way for the Mariners with 18 points. Senior
Peyton Shafer scored14 points, adding nine rebounds. Junior
Alli Stone scored 12 points.
Elina Briede notably recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The defensive intensity for Coastal Georgia was a tone-setter. The Mariners limited the Running Eagles to just eight first quarter points and 13 second quarter points. Coastal Georgia held Life to merely 27.6% shooting from the floor and just 8.7% from three-point range.
Next up for the Mariners is a neutral site contest with Morris College on Friday, October 30th. Coastal Georgia will return to Howard Coffin Gym at 5:30pm on Tuesday, November 3rd vs Thomas University.
