Box Score NAMPA, ID (November 14, 2014) - The Hawai'i Pacific Women's Basketball Team (1-0) started off the season on a strong note by defeating Northwest Nazarene (0-1) 100-81 in the NNU Tip-Off Classic.

The arctic conditions may have been a problem for some Hawai'i teams, but it was a non-issue for the Sharks. The in-region win is the second time HPU has topped the Crusaders in as many seasons.    

The game was primarily owned by HPU. Halfway through the first period HPU built a 15 point lead. NNU rallied and took the lead for about 20 seconds before Chenise Peone drilled one of her five three pointers to tie the game. Over the last two and a half minutes of the half, HPU stretched the lead out to seven points.

HPU never trailed in the second half and began to pour it on, leading by as many as 21 points.

The Sharks outshot the competition in all three phases. HPU shot 48.6% (35-72) from the floor, 45.2% (14-31) from deep and 72.2% (16-22) from the line. NNU was pedestrian from the floor (40.8%) and line (63%) as HPU clamped down on the long ball holding the home team to six of 25 (24%).

There were several great performances by HPU. All-PacWest Preseason Team selection Morganne Comstock picked up where she left off last season with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Newcomer Kylie Huerta came as advertised with 12 points to go with 14 assists. Peone also impressed in her first game as a Shark with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Freshman Breanna Mackenzie had a great start to her collegiate career with 16 points on 60% shooting. Junior Veanne Navarro hit four three-pointers on her way to 18 points.

Game two of the NNU Tip-Off Classic is tomorrow against Central Washington in Nampa. The matchup features the student vs. the teacher as Central Washington is now coached by former HPU Head Coach Jeff Harada. Current HPU Head Coach, Reid Takatsuka, served as Harada's assistant during his time at HPU.