Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s girls’ basketball team won an overtime thriller against First Colonial High School on Wednesday.

The Lady Saints were playing the second game of a back-to-back, two-night effort. After securing a win against Hampton Roads Academy on Tuesday, they picked up a 54-51 win at home Wednesday.

In the first quarter, both teams kept pace with each other, with the score tied at nine after one quarter of play. NSA had the advantage the second quarter, outscoring First Colonial 15-6. The Lady Saints went into halftime with a 24-15 lead.

The momentum shifted toward FCHS during the third period, when they outscored the Lady Saints 18-12, making up ground from their first-half deficit. First Colonial’s momentum carried the team through the fourth, as they outscored NSA again and tied the game, 47-47, at the end of regulation.

But the Lady Saints got a strong overtime performance by Lindsay Knierbein. She finished the game with 18 points and the game-winning steal, and she made two free throws to secure the game for NSA.

“I felt good about this win,” Lady Saints coach Kim Aston said. “At points this year when the games were on the line and teams pressured us, we turned it over. When they made a run, we were able to keep our composure and stay right with them.”

“The way we played against FC is the most cohesive we have been all season,” Knierbein said. “We definitely communicated more successfully, and I was really proud of how we worked together to secure the win.”

Aston said that after the HRA game she had wanted to see a better defensive effort by the team. The team took the message well, allowing their defensive to carry them through the first quarter and to victory in overtime against FC.

Kelly Hogan led the way for the Lady Saints with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Kneirbein and Hogan were the only two players in double figures for NSA. The Lady Saints shot 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line. They also out-rebounded First Colonial 29-18.

With two wins already on the week and a tough matchup against St. Catherine’s School at home Friday, NSA hopes its strong start to the week will provide some momentum. Last year NSA didn’t lose many games, but one of them was to St. Catherine’s, so Aston believes the team will be motivated to play them Friday.

“Getting two wins back to back certainly helps our confidence a bit,” Aston said. “I’m sure the girls remember losing the game last year to St. Catherine’s. I think they know the challenge ahead, and they’ll be ready.”

NSA is 4-6 and will be at home against St. Catherine’s on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

NSA 54   FC 51

NSA- L. Kneirbein 18 pts., 10 rebs.; K. Hogan 19 pts., 13 rebs.; A. Herrod 7 pts.; L. Harrell 4 pts., 4 asts.; K. Brown 6 pts., 5asts