The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy girls’ basketball team opened the season with a home win over Norfolk Collegiate School.

The Lady Saints officially started off the regular season on a strong note as they took on Norfolk Collegiate at home, taking a 65-48 win. Alivia Giles led the way with 20 points to go along with seven rebounds. Cammy Reid added 14 points, and Alyssa Waddy added 11 points and 12 rebounds to begin the season with a double-double.

NSA started off a bit slow in the first half, allowing Norfolk Collegiate to take control of the second quarter. The Lady Saints had a strong second half to push through for the win. With the fall season just ending for the players that play other sports, that might have played a part in the rhythm. That will continue to get better as the team gets a couple more games under their belt.

Coach Kim Aston felt the team played well, despite the slow start in the first half.

“I think we had a little bit of nerves coming out of the block, but we pulled it together in the second half,” Aston said. “We’ve only had about five practices with a full team, so we haven’t had much time together. But after this game, we have some time to get things going.”

The Lady Saints are coming into the season with high expectations. As a team that started four freshmen last season, they finished the season with a close loss in the state semifinals. NSA exceeded expectations last season and knows they will have to be ready for whatever comes their way this season.

“We return a strong team, and we’ve added a couple players as well that we are going to mix in,” Aston said. “Our goal is to make it to the state championship this season, but we have to take things one game at a time and every practice one day at a time. We’ve got some good leadership, and we are looking forward to rising to the occasion.”

NSA returns a strong core, with Giles leading the way along with Reid. Both players were All-State selections last season. Waddy is continuing to take the next step, with Mary Council and Emma Conrod looking to do the same. Aston believes this is one of the deepest teams she has coached.

“We are deep this year and we have options coming off the bench that can come in the game at any time and do some good things for us,” Aston said.

NSA 65, NC 48

NSA—Giles 20, Reid 14, Waddy 11, Conrod 9, Council 6, Mizelle 5

NC—Hodges 16, Robertson 10, Reed 8, Krantz 6, Cutrell 2, Woodson 2, Wesley 2, O’Brien 2