ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - - Host Flagler connected on ten 3-pointers, forced 22 turnovers and won the battle of the boards 44-to-32 in a 96-74 women's basketball victory over UVA Wise Saturday afternoon. The win allowed the Saints to start the season 2-0 after defeating Anderson on day one of the South Atlantic Conference vs. Peach Belt Conference Challenge.

Flagler (2-0) was proficient on offense from the start. The Saints shot 46.7 percent from the floor in the opening ten minutes to take a 20-to-19 lead to the second quarter.

UVA Wise (0-2) stayed within reach thanks to the play of Nia Vanzant. The guard scored six of her team-high 26 points in the opening period.

The hosts continued the offensive onslaught in the second period as Taylor Gardner drilled a pair of 3-pointers in the stretch. The guard finished with 17 points in the win, ten of which came in the second period.

With the fast start, the Saints led 44-37 at intermission. The Cavs would see the deficit climb to as many as 17 points in the third stanza as Flagler opened the period on a 16-to-6 scoring spurt. Staci Miller capped the run with one of the Saints three 3-pointers during the third 10-minute session.

The run to open the half proved to be the knockout blow as UVA Wise would be unable to get the game back within single digits over the remainder of the contest.

The Saints finished the game shooting 54.3 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from the 3-point stripe. Guard Tori Pearce made 13-of-18 field goal attempts en route to a game high 32 points; Pearce added ten assists, seven rebounds and five steals in her 32 minutes of action.

Sharale McCormick was a third Flagler player in double-figures. McCormick chipped in ten points and four boards over her 17 minutes of work.

Meg Crawford (13) and Kalee Johnson joined Vanzant in double-figure scoring in defeat. Meanwhile, freshman Katlin Burger chipped in eight points, five rebounds and two steals off the bench.

UVA Wise will open up league play Wednesday when the team travels to Limestone for a 5:30 p.m. tip. Fans can listen to the action live on FM 92.5 WLSD or online at wlsdradio.com