Suffolk News-Herald

A late comeback by Hampton Christian spoiled the season opener for the Nansemond-Suffolk girls basketball team Tuesday night at NSA.

Scoring the final nine points of the game, the Lady Warriors pulled out a 36-32 victory, despite trailing for most of the night.

Ashlee Robb began the night well for the Lady Saints, scoring five points on NSA’s first two offensive possessions.

NSA was held scoreless for the remainder of the first quarter and trailed 6-5 one quarter in.

The Lady Saints were able find better offensive rhythm in the second quarter, shooting 6-for-12 as a team from the floor during the quarter and building a 19-13 lead by halftime.

NSA built an eight point lead midway through the third quarter, using two Ellen Giermak free throws and a layup by Jenna Robb to go up 23-15.

Hampton Christian rallied back over the next seven minutes and took their first lead since early in the second quarter at 27-25 with five minutes left in the game.

NSA quickly countered with a 7-0 run, with the last five coming within a five-second flurry.

Michele Boucher knocked down a deep baseline jumper to retake the lead at 29-27.

On the following inbounds pass, Parris Grieder came up with a steal, and quickly found Jenna Robb cutting to the basket, Robb made the layup, was fouled, and converted the free throw to go up five points.

From there, the Lady Warriors closed out the game on a 9-0 run.

In the final period, Hampton Christian committed just two turnovers, compared to the 14 they had totaled during the previous three quarters.

The Lady Saints were pressured into 22 turnovers on the night.

Boucher led the Lady Saints (0-1, 0-0) with eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

NSA begins a stretch of three consecutive road games Dec. 7 at Norfolk Academy.

The NSA boys came out on the high side, slipping post the host Warriors 63-58. Kyle Jett led the Saints with 27 points, with Bryan Breedlove adding 10 and Adam Gillette nine.

The Saints battled Poquoson Wednesday night (not finished at press time) and head to the Trinity Episcopal tournament on Friday morning.