PEMBROKE – Newcomer Domonique Washington led the way for the UNCP women's basketball team with 14 points as the Lady Braves defeated Coker, 77-54, in the season opener on Monday in Pembroke in the English E. Jones Center.

Washington made her presence known on the boards as she grabbed seven rebounds while also tallying two assists and a pair of steals. She shot 78 percent (7-of-9) from the field in her 23 minutes of action. DayDay Ray added 11 points, while JaToya Kemp and Alysia Hudson each scored eight for UNCP. DeDe Cotten registered seven defensive rebounds as the Lady Braves pressured Coker (0-1) to remove any second-chance opportunities to score.

UNCP led at half-time 42-23 after shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 7-of-7 from the free throw line. Coker shot 8-of-25 (32 percent) from the field and was 4-of-4 from the charity stripe at the half.

"We started the game a little nervous and excited, but we talked about it in the locker room and made a change in the second half to slow down and work the ball around the court," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "Domonique played very well for us and with the team. She is aggressive on the court and attacked the entire game."

Coker's Megan Thomas, Nikki Grigbsy, and Jasmine Alston had double-digit nights in scoring with 14, 13, and 10 points, respectively. The Black and Gold put back 16 second chance shots, with 52 of their 77 points coming from the paint. Illya Hunt led the night with four steals and Cotten tallied a game-high four assists.

UNCP will be back in action again on Wednesday against the Bulldogs of Wingate (1-0). Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at the English E. Jones Center and admission prices are $6 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.