WILMINGTON, North Carolina – It didn't take long for UNCW's newcomers to make an impact in a game situation as the group combined to score 41 points with 38 rebounds in the Seahawks' 67-47 victory over Norfolk State in both teams' season opener at Trask Coliseum on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Making their first appearance of the season, the Seahawks never trailed in the game and led by as many as 21 points in the first half to claim their sixth win in the last seven season openers.
 
Junior guard Camille Downs led all scorers with 21 points, including 11 in the second half, while grabbing six rebounds. The Fredericksburg, Va., product sank 9-of-18 shots from the floor, including a 3-for-7 effort from three-point range.
 
Freshman guard Mary McMillan added 16 points with four assists and two steals while freshman guard Taylor Webster grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds in addition to four points, two assists and two steals. Junior guard Za'Nautica Downs chipped in six points and seven rebounds.
 
Senior forward Carol-Anne Obusek added 11 points on 5-for-11 shooting from the field in addition to contributing seven rebounds.
 
Norfolk State was paced by redshirt junior guard Jaelynn Holmes, who tallied 13 points with seven rebounds. Junior guard Shekinah Howard chipped in 10 points off the bench.
 
Key Moment: UNCW used seven points from McMillan and six points from Obusek to build a commanding 23-7 lead in the opening quarter. The Seahawks held Norfolk State to just 2-for-13 shooting in the first 10 minutes while outrebounding the Spartans, 20-7.  
 
Game Notes:

• UNCW now stands at 27-21 all-time in season openers along with an impressive 39-9 mark in home lidlifters … The Seahawks have also won their last seven home openers.
• UNCW leads the all-time series against Norfolk State by a 5-0 margin … The teams met for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
• Webster's 19 rebounds are the most by a UNCW player since Ryan Flowers grabbed 20 caroms against William & Mary on Jan. 23, 2014, which also stands as the program single-game record by a freshman.
• The Seahawks' 55 rebounds are the most in a game since tallying 55 rebounds at William & Mary on Feb. 16, 2018 … The 55 caroms are the most in a home game since Jan. 18, 2007, when UNCW grabbed 57 rebounds against Georgia State.
• UNCW has now won its last 75 games when holding an opponent to under 50 points.
• Norfolk State's 47 points were the fewest surrendered by UNCW in a season opener since Nov. 15, 2015, when the Seahawks secured a 68-43 victory over UNC Pembroke.
• In addition to the four newcomers in the starting lineup, freshman guard Evan Miller made her collegiate debut against Norfolk State, grabbing one rebound in four minutes of action.
• Obusek scored in double figures for the ninth time in her college career.

Up Next: UNCW completes its quick two-game homestand on Saturday, Nov. 28, with a visit from in-state rival Campbell. The 49th all-time meeting between the Seahawks and the Fightin' Camels is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip-off.