BLUEFIELD, WV- The Mansfield Women's Basketball team open the 2024season with a victory over Livingstone College with a score of 75-72, as part of the CIAA/PSAC Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 9. 
 
Katie Sheeler was the top scorer for the Mounties with 19 points. Danae Ellzy added 18, and Sarah Horton made her Mansfield debut leading the Mountaineers on the glass with 15 rebounds. 
 
The Mounties were in a back-and-fourth battle through the first quarter, with a pair of three point baskets from Sheeler, but found themselves trailing 18-14.
 
The Mountaineers took the lead in the second quarter on the strength of a late 16-7 run that included seven points from Sheeler and key fast break baskets from Paris Anthony. Mansfield led 40-32 at the half.
 
Mansfield surrendered the lead in the third quarter with seven of the 17 points in the quarter coming by way of free throws. The Mounties trailed 61-57 entering the final quarter.
 
Four minutes into the final quarter the game was tied at 65-65 on a Sheeler layup. The Mounties would never give up the lead. Hortin put back a shot to go up 67-65. Ellzy added four points and Kristen Fulford put the game away hitting 4-4 on free throws down the stretch, giving Mansfield the 75-72 victory.
 
Livingstone's leading scorer was Morgan Kelson who had a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. 
 
Mansfield is back in action Sunday Nov. 10 as they take on host school Bluefield State.