Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian Women's Basketball began their 2017-18 season by cruising through their opener 93-68 over Benedictine-Mesa on Thursday night.  Four in double figures were led by a career high 22 points from Sophomore Toni Davis.  Juniors Courtney Christmas and Jada Willingham both added 16 points.

Seventy-four seconds into the season, Davis knocked down a three pointer for the first ACU points of the year.  The Redhawks (0-1) responded with a three of their own to tie the game at 3-3.

But Christmas and Davis both scored a basket and the Firestorm (1-0) grabbed the lead… for good.

ACU held just a three point edge with 2:13 left in the first quarter.  However, they closed out the first ten minute session with a 10-1 run for 28-16 lead.

BenMesa climbed within three on several occasions in the second quarter.  ACU went to the break ahead 46-38.  Davis topped all scorers with 13 first half points.

In the third quarter, Benedictine-Mesa outscored Arizona Christian 23-22 to close the gap to seven.

However, any thoughts of a comeback where squelched when the Firestorm outscored the Redhawks 25-7 in the final 10 minutes.

The Firestorm were a point away from having all five starters reach double figures in scoring as Junior Makayla Enders ended her night with 13 points.  Senior Suzie Castro-Larsen just missed a double-double with 12 rebounds and nine points.  Junior Jac Moody scored eight points in her ACU debut.

Points off turnovers (33 to BenMesa's 8) and rebounding (53 to 33) was a huge difference in the contest.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will be back in action as they take on the University of Providence (formerly University of Great Falls) at 2:00 pm in Fultz Memorial Gym.