Rocky Mount, N.C. - Seniors Alexis Fitzgerald and Timyra Staton combined for 43 points on Tuesday night to lead their N.C. Wesleyan women's basketball team to a season-opening 86-67 victory over Mid-Atlantic Christian in Everett Gym. Fitzgerald knocked down seven three-pointers and dished out seven assists, while Staton poured in 18 points and grabbed six rebounds.

The Mustangs (2-3) came out on fire in the first quarter, knocking down over 61 percent of their attempts from the floor to keep the game close at 20-18. MACU went on to lead by four midway the second, but a Fitzgerald trey at the buzzer gave NCWC a slim 36-34 halftime advantage.

Wesleyan owned a 25-19 edge in the third quarter to go up eight, and a 10-3 run to open the final period would push NCWC's lead to double-digits. The Bishops did not look back en route to their first win of the season, leading by as many as 22 down the stretch. Overall, the contest featured 13 ties and 16 lead changes before the decisive run.

In addition to Fitzgerald and Staton, junior KeChae Parker notched a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Caila Spruill added nine points and a pair of blocks, while sophomore Christina Lewis chipped in four points and 10 boards off the bench. For MACU, Eryka Vincent netted a team-high 22 points, with Aleah McNeal chipping in 20. Tierra Lester recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Both teams shot 40 percent on the night, with the major statistical difference coming on the glass. Wesleyan dominated the boards 52-33, which resulted in 20 second chance points.

The Bishops (1-0) are now set to host their annual Jean Edge Classic on Saturday and Sunday in Everett Gym. Saturday's action kicks off at 5:00pm with Methodist University taking on Randolph College, followed by Wesleyan tipping off with Hood at 7:00pm. Sunday's match-ups are slated for 2:00pm and 4:00pm. Live stats for all four contests will be provided at www.ncwcsports.com.