Belmont Abbey sophomore guard Courtney Naquin led all scorers with 15 points, while junior guard Marie Marquez added 14 and freshman forward Asha Hardaway added ten as the Crusaders women's basketball team improved to 2-0 with a 57-47 Conference Carolinas win at Lees-McRae this evening in the conference opener for both teams.

The Abbey, which never trailed after being down three just over three minutes into the game, led by 21 at the half after storming out on a 29-9 run over the last 14:26 after the two teams were tied at eight.

The Crusaders maintained their double digit advantage throughout the majority of the second half. Lees-McRae went on a late run to close within eight at 55-47 with 1:50 remaining, but two Marquez free throws with 1:24 pushed the lead to 57-47, which would be the final score.

Belmont Abbey shot 38.3 percent from the floor and 82 percent from the free throw line, sinking 14 of 17 attempts. Naquin finished the game 5-9 from the floor, including a 5-7 effort from three-point range, to go along with three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Marquez also was 5-9 from the field and handed out five assists and collected a pair of steals.