Neshannock took control of its Section 2-AA opener right away with a swarming defense that shut down New Brighton.

The Lady Lancers held New Brighton to 14 first-half points (three in the second quarter) and led by 17 at the half. Several Lady Lancers had strong games, led by Ericka Warvell, who posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Chelsea Kauffman provided 14 points, six assists and five steals, and Caitlin Binder added seven points, eight rebounds and five steals.

“We just tried to mix it up a little bit with some half- and full-court pressure and some man,” Neshannock coach Luann Grybowski said of the Lady Lancers’ defense. “We did a good job. I’m happy with the all-around game, except for the turnovers. I’d like to keep it under 15. We had a lot of unforced turnovers tonight.”

Neshannock (1-0, 3-0) committed 23 turnovers, but it excelled in other areas.

“They really played a good floor game, boxed out well, ran the floor, hustled — all the little things you need them to do,” Grybowski said. “They’re getting better understanding what we want.”