Phoenix, AZ- Sophomore Courtney Christmas delivered a career high 27 points to send Arizona Christian past Benedictine-Mesa 92-81 on Friday night.  The Firestorm open the season 3-0.

The first two quarters played out as a back and forth half.  The Redhawks (3-3) scored first and after allowing the Firestorm (3-0) to take just a single point lead went on to build as large as a six point edge.  At the quarter break, Benedictine held a 17-15 lead.

ACU trailed until Freshman Kelsey Miranda turned an outlet pass from Sophomore Jada Willingham into a fast break layup.  Upon exchanging leads, Sophomore Makayla Enders grabbed a rebound, kissed a shot off the window while being fouled and converted the free throw for the old fashion three point play.  The Firestorm held a 35-34 edge at the break.

Christmas and Enders had just seven points each in the opening 20 minutes of action.  Senior Courtney Leach topped the Firestorm with eight points.

Thirty seconds into the second half Christmas jump started her second half 20 point effort with a basket.  Moving ahead by six saw the Redhawks climb back within one at two different points.  But soon the lead was as big as 14 points.

Seeing their lead slip back into single digits headed to the fourth quarter, Freshman Toni Davis nailed a three pointer less than a minute into the final quarter.  ACU lead by double figures all but about 12 seconds of the rest of the fourth.

Christmas reached her career high on 10-15 shooting from the field.  Enders tied a career high with her 20 point effort.  Willingham added 16 points.  Davis finished with 13 points.

The Firestorm will return to action on Saturday as they host Montana Western at 5:30 pm in Fultz Memorial Gym.