Mobile, Ala. - The Spring Hill College women's basketball team opened the 2008 season with a 68-62 home victory over non-conference rival Auburn-Montgomery on Tuesday evening.

The Lady Badgers (1-0) gave new SHC Head Coach Ray Fron his first collegiate victory while recording the school's 400th women's basketball win.

Spring Hill fell behind 5-0 in the first three minutes as they struggled to find the rhythm of their new triangle offense, but as the first half progressed they gained confidence, taking a 28-25 advantage to the halftime locker room.

AUM found itself in early second half foul trouble and Spring Hill exploited their difficulties by driving the paint and forcing the Senators to either foul or allow the shot.  As a result, the Badgers built a 20-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.

In the final eight minutes, the Senators made a frantic full-court effort to fight back into the game by forcing the Lady Badgers into several turnovers, but Spring Hill would make just enough foul shots and brake the press enough times to hold on to the win.

Spring Hill shot 41% (17-42) from the field and out-rebounded AUM 46-42.  AUM shot just 31% (22-71) from the field.

Senior forward Keisha Forbes of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., led Spring Hill with a double-double, recording 19 points and 12 rebounds.  Her fellow senior from Ft. Walton Beach, Rashonda Belton, added 10 points. AUM (1-2) was led by Kala Smith with 17 points and Carlie Ainsworth with 12 points.  Center Melanie Gess had nine rebounds for the Senators.

Spring Hill travels to Gainesville, Ga., on Saturday to play Brenau University at 1 p.m.