HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Trevecca Nazarene University women's basketball team (1-0) picked up its first win of the season, whipping the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers (1-2) 61-39 Monday night at Spragins Hall. 

"It's always great to open the season with a win, especially on the road," said Trojans head coach Gary Van Atta. "

The Trojans will return home to host the annual Pops Duncan Classic this weekend at the Trojan Fieldhouse. Friday night, the Trojans will tip things off at 5:30 p.m. against Truman State University (1-0). That game will be immediately followed by Kentucky Wesleyan College (0-1) taking on Ferris State University (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. Kentucky Wesleyan and Truman State tip things off at noon Saturday, followed by the Trojans and Ferris State at 2 p.m.

Trevecca smothered UAH defensively Monday night, limiting the Chargers to 25.5% shooting from the field and just 16 second-half points, while forcing 20 turnovers.

"I was proud of the team effort we gave on defense," added Coach Van Atta. "To give up only 39 points, less than one point a minute, is one of the best team defensive efforts I've seen in a few years."

Kaci Britt Bell (SR/Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) led the way for Trevecca with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range. Bell was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line, and added 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.

"I thought Kaci Britt Bell did a great job leading our team on both ends of the floor," said Coach Van Atta. "One of her best games as a Lady Trojan. I'm sure we'll see more of that type of performance from her this year."

Sarah Raby (SO/Lynchburg, Tenn.) was the only other Trojan in double figures, finishing with 10 points. Briana McDonald (SO/Tullahoma, Tenn.) added eight points and four rebounds, and Megan Kilburn (SO/Summertown, Tenn.) contributed seven points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Halle Jarnagin, a junior from Brentwood (Tenn.) High School, led the Chargers with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Trojans shot 41.8% (23-of-55) from the floor, including 4-of-17 (23.5%) from 3-point range, and made 11-of-15 free throws (73.3%). Trevecca's bench outscored the Chargers' 20-9, and the Trojans finished with a 43-31 advantage on the glass.

"We still need to make better decisions on the offensive end, but we will get better as the year goes along," said Coach Van Atta. "We can be an explosive offensive team, we just need a few more games under our belt."