Location: Joe & Barbara Schwartz Center - Downtown Wilmington, NC

Updated Record: 0-1

Score: CFCC 55, CCBC Essex 84

In Short: The Sea Devils opened up their first game of the season with an unfortunate loss against the CCBC Essex Knights, but also with optimism as they tune up for their next matchup on Wednesday.

Highlights: CFCC kicked off their first game of the season by hosting the 1st Annual Carly Rae Classic - a tournament held in celebration of the life of former CFCC Women's Basketball player Carly Rae Baron. A special ceremony was held on the court with Carly's family as CFCC Athletics Board of Trustees members presented them with Carly's number 24 jersey framed as they retired her jersey during the previous Women's Basketball season.

The Sea Devils played hard for the majority of their matchup against the CCBC Essex Knights but endured a third-quarter slump that allowed the Knights to extend their lead to a point where it was nearly impossible to recover. CFCC ended the game with a total of 33 turnovers, further emphasizing the team's need for consistent communication and offensive consistency. However, the Sea Devils managed t0 stay afloat as Sophomore Jada Nowlin drew key fouls against the Knights and went 8 for 9 from the freethrow line. Jada proceeded to lead the Sea Devils with 18 points with 6 rebounds, followed by defensive workhorse Rashauna Grant (Soph.) finished the game with 12 rebounds and 15 points scored.

"We know what we need to work on," remarked Head Women's Basketball Coach Trae Bryant. "For our first time playing against competition, I thought we played well,". The coaching staff looks forward to their next matchup against a conference opponent and to tightening up some of the areas where they see the potential for growth.

Up Next: The Sea Devils return to the Schwartz Center on Wednesday, November 10th to take on the Wake Tech Eagles at 6:00 PM.