REDDING, Calif. – A big second half fueled the Shasta College women's basketball team to a 55-35 season-opening road victory over Mendocino on Saturday.

Despite missing two starters – one to injury and one to illness – the Knights held their opponent to single digits in the final three quarters, and outscored the Eagles 32-14 in the second half.

"We played a little tight and nervous the first half," Shasta College coach Jerry Brown said. "We came out the second half much better, especially defensively. I was very pleased with the overall effort."

Three Shasta starters finished in double figures. Sophomore Julia Hill paced the Knights with 15 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Kilee Hannon scored 11 points to go with six rebounds, freshman Rikki Sherman scored 10 points and had six rebounds and four steals, and freshman Jordan Martinez scored seven points.

Shasta (1-0) held Mendocino to 19.6 percent shooting (11 for 56) and had the edge in assists 13-5.

The Knights play in the Cosumnes River College Invitational in Sacramento Thursday and Friday.