DEMOREST, GA -- The Clayton College & State University women's basketball team opened its season with a convincing 73-55 victory over Piedmont College Monday night in Demorest, Ga., giving head coach Laura Williges her first win in her first season at the helm of the Lady Laker program.

Clayton State took control of the game from the opening tip by jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the first five minutes of the game, and the Lady Lakers never looked back. Seniors Lisa Williams and Chlandra Benton each scored eight points in the opening half to give the Lady Lakers a commanding 31-15 lead at the break.

The Lady Lakers countered their 20 turnovers in the first half by out-rebounding the Lady Lions 30-13. Defensively, Clayton State held Piedmont to 13 percent field goal shooting for the half while shooting 48 percent from the floor themselves.

In the second half, the Lady Lakers continued their defensive efforts by holding Piedmont to just 23 percent shooting from the floor. Benton connected on 11 of 12 free throws in the half en route to her team-high 22 points for the night. Sophomore Joya Collier grabbed eight of her team-high 11 rebounds to go along with her 10 points as she recorded her first double-double in a Clayton State uniform.

Williams finished the night with 12 points and nine rebounds while junior Shelly Wright added nine points and six boards in the victory. Gypsy Frix led Piedmont with 30 points and 15 rebounds.