HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College women's basketball team earned its first victory of the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, defeating the Belmont Abbey JV team 73-64 at the Tarlton Complex.

Freshman Jada Whitesides led the Red Hawks with a career-high 17 points, while sophomores Erianna Scott and Caleeya Duke both added 12 points in the win.

Catawba Valley (1-2) jumped out to a 25-8 lead in the first quarter of the contest, gaining the early advantage behind seven points each from Whitesides and Scott.

Despite the early 17-point hole, Belmont Abbey continued to chip away at its deficit throughout Tuesday's non-conference game. Cali Lusk led the way for the Crusaders with 23 points.

However, Belmont Abbey would get no closer than nine points in the game, and the Red Hawks emerged with their first victory of the season.

Freshman Kiya Shavers also reached double figures in scoring for CVCC in Tuesday's game with 10 points.

The Catawba Valley Community College women's basketball team returns to action on Friday for its conference opener on the road at Richard Bland. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. in Petersburg, Va.