SALEM, Ore. – The No. 14-ranked Corban University women's basketball team officially began its 2019-20 season on Friday, battling on the road against NCAA Division III foe and cross-town rival Willamette University. The Warriors earned a hard-fought 49-42 victory in a defensive showdown.

"It was great to get into game action," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "Willamette played well and is well-coached."

The Bearcats shot just 28.1% from the field in the game due to the smothering defensive pressure that the Warriors imposed upon them. The Navy and Gold recorded five blocks and seven steals in the contest.

"Our defense was good throughout the game," added Pilgeram. "Although we didn't shoot well, I saw good things on the offensive end that we will build on and continue to improve upon."

Despite shooting just 32.8% as a team, Corban made its presence felt in the paint, picking up 26 points inside the key. Accounting for more than half of their scoring, the Warriors' success down low was key to the victory, as the team struggled (0-for-14 from three-point range) from beyond the arc.

The Navy and Gold leaned heavily upon Jordan Woodvine offensively, as she recorded a double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Woodvine also led the Warriors in assists with four.

Kendra Murphy also filled up the stat sheet, as she picked up eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks in the season-opening triumph.

Corban (1-0) will look to build upon the win next weekend at the Northwest University Classic, where the squad will be pitted against Montana Tech on Friday, November 8, and Salish Kootenai College on November 9.