Terre Haute, IN – Backed by huge offensive performances from sophomores Aaliyah Hampton (Hopkinsville, KY) and Destiny Combs (Louisville, KY), the Berea College women's basketball team opened their season with a 65-61 win on the road Saturday night against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

After Berea jumped out to an early 6-0 lead, both teams settled into the tightly-contested game which saw the lead trade hands multiple times throughout the first half.  A Combs put-back as the clock expired sent the Mountaineers into the break up 27-26. 

Berea started strong in the third quarter, opening the half on a 7-0 run with buckets from senior Leah Parker (Livingston, TN), Hampton and two free throws from Combs.  But Rose-Hulman answered with an 8-0 run, tying the game at 35-35 midway through the third.  Halfway through the 4^th quarter, and with the score again tied at 56, Rose-Hulman grabbed the 59-56 advantage on a lay-up by Jamie Baum and a free throw from Nola Wilson.  Down three points with just over two minutes left to play, Combs took over, scoring six straight points to give the Mountaineers a 62-59 lead.  From there, Hampton secured the win by knocking down three free throws.

Hampton finished the night with a game-high 26 points, including 10-12 from the charity stripe.  Combs registered a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.  The Mountaineers shot just 29% from the floor, including a 5-24 effort from behind the arc, but won the game at the free throw line, converting 22 of 24 attempts.    
  
Berea (1-0, 0-0 USA-S) will be back in action again Tuesday night, facing Campbellsville-Harrodsburg on the road.  The game is scheduled to tip at 5:30 PM in Harrodsburg.  The Mountaineers are 2-0 all-time against the Pioneers, winning the most recent matchup 87-81.