After a first-place conference finish last year, the Nansemond River High School girls’ basketball team is ready to raise the bar.

Last season was a successful one for the Lady Warriors. They finished as PenSouth co-champions with Bethel High School with a record of 18-8. This year, the Lady Warriors will be looking to build on that with the nine players they have returning.

“We want to continue the success we had last year,” coach Calvin Mason Sr. said. “We were first place in the conference. We lost a couple of players that helped us a lot last year, so we have some things to replace, but I like what I have coming back.”

Fans expect the Lady Warriors to have a good if not a better season that they had last year. Mason does not worry those expectations will add to his team’s pressure. In fact, he thinks that people feel that way because they know his has a pretty good team.

“I tell my girls to embrace the situation,” Mason said. “There is no pressure when you are not expected to do anything. It just means people see things in you that they don’t see in others. They think you’re a pretty good team. Enjoy the moment and have fun.”

Returning for the Lady Warriors is Briana Autrey. Autrey was an honorable mention for the PenSouth All-Conference team last year. Nijha Shannon also returns and is expected to take the next step after playing most of her minutes in a reserve role last year.

Daijah Norris is also expected to contribute significantly this year. She was the leading rebounder for the lady Warriors last year, and Mason describes her as one of the “best athletes” on the team.

NR’s lineup includes five guards.

The Lady Warriors are 1-0 after opening the season with a 40-21 win over Oscar Smith on Tuesday. Mason said it was one a good defensive performance. NRHS didn’t shoot well, but defensively the girls made up for what they may have lacked on offense.

Autrey led the way for the Lady Warriors with a triple-double scoring 10 points, 13 steals, and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists.

“I feel the first win is important for the team,” Mason said. “After losing some of the pieces we had last year, it kind of gives them a sense of accomplishment. It gives them confidence going forward believing they can handle what’s ahead.”

The Lady Warriors will be looking to go to 2-0 against Deep Creek at home tonight at 7 p.m.