PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Women's Basketball team got off to a slow start, but picked up steam in the second half to pull away for a 65-45 victory versus Governors State (Ill.) in the season opener Friday night at the Curry Christian Life Center.

The win marked the first of the year for the RedHawks (1-0) and the first under new head coach Billy Evans.

Senior guard Destiney Williams led the RedHawks with 16 points. Freshman guard Samariah Thompson finished with 11 points and added a game-high five steals. Treasure Hunt added 10 points for the RedHawks, including a clutch three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped the RedHawks eventually build enough momentum to pull away.

On a night where the RedHawks connected on 24-of-63 attempts from the floor, their defense is what kept them in the contest as they forced 28 turnovers from the visiting Jaguars (0-1).

The RedHawks return to action next Thursday, Nov. 1, when they host Bryan (Tenn.).

Tipoff in Thursday's contest is set for 5:30 p.m.