MOBILE, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team (1-0, 0-0 Gulf South) defeated Spring Hill College (0-1, 0-0 SIAC), 75–69, in their season opener, fueled by a strong third-quarter surge that included 28 points.

West Ala. opened the game with a strong inside presence, matching SHC with 14 points in the paint. Chardai Watkins contributed significantly, scoring a layup at 9:27 and later assisting Haley Nichols at 7:14 to tie the score at 4–4. Despite trailing late in the first quarter, West Ala. managed to regain the lead with a quick 4-point swing, as Callie Cowan and Bellah Machen scored layups in succession, bringing the score to 17–16. Ultimately, a last-minute layup by the Badgers' Nicole Blanch put them ahead, ending the first quarter with SHC leading 18–17.

UWA put pressure on Spring Hill's defense by scoring eight points in the paint, highlighted by a crucial layup from Nichols at the 2:03 mark, assisted by Cowan. Despite trailing earlier, the Tigers tied the game at 31 with another layup by Machen, assisted by Jernae Ringgold, at 1:24. However, SHC edged ahead in the final seconds with a layup, concluding the quarter with a narrow 33–31 lead over West Ala.

West Alabama surged in the third quarter, opening with a decisive 10–0 run, highlighted by Nichols' offensive rebounding and scoring, establishing a 39–35 lead with 7:08 remaining. Watkins' defensive plays, including a key steal, contributed to extending the lead as West Ala. maintained control.

After the Badgers managed to tie the score at 50–50, West Ala. responded with a critical jumper from Shay Hunter at 1:36, followed by a layup from Machen at 1:06, regaining a four-point advantage. West Ala. concluded the quarter with a 3-pointer from Machen assisted by Watkins, sealing the frame with a 28–17 advantage and a 59–50 lead heading into the final quarter.

UWA secured a decisive advantage midway through the fourth quarter with a critical stretch, starting with Machen's three-pointer at 8:01, followed by a steal and layup from Cowan at 7:09, which extended their lead to 67–52. Despite some scoring from the Badgers, West Alabama maintained control, aided by free throws from Watkins in the final seconds. The game ended with West Ala. winning 75–69.

Cowan scored 15 points and collected three steals. Machen finished with 16 points, including two 3-pointers, and added two steals. Watkins contributed 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. Nichols posted 11 points and secured six rebounds.

The Tigers will face Clark Atlanta Uninversity at Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center (Mobile, Ala.) tomorrow at 1 p.m. CST.