There were many new faces, but a very familiar result for the Arkansas Tech Golden Suns in their 2011-12 basketball season opener on Thursday night.
The nationally fourth-ranked Golden Suns extended their home winning streak to 37 consecutive games with a 115-59 non-conference victory over the Central Baptist College Lady Mustangs at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Arkansas Tech (1-0) used a 15-0 run midway through the first half to open a 33-11 lead with 9:10 left until halftime.
The Suns went on to lead 54-27 at halftime and by as many as 58 points in the second half.
Natalia Santos, an honorable mention NCAA Division II All-American last season for Arkansas Tech, scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the first game of her senior season.
Jessica Weatherford had 14 points and matched her career high with 16 rebounds for the Golden Suns.
Rosie Silva (photographed), a transfer point guard from Cisco Junior College, notched 16 points, four assists and four steals in her Arkansas Tech debut.
Katie Horsman (11 points) and Samanta Ludwig (10 points) made it five Golden Suns in double figures in scoring.
Arkansas Tech finished with a 57-33 rebounding edge. The Golden Suns made 22 steals and shot 56 percent (44-of-79) from the field.
Karli Kenley led Central Baptist (2-1) with 17 points.
The Golden Suns will be idle until Saturday, Nov. 19, when they will host the University of New Orleans in non-conference action. Tip-off at Tucker Coliseum will be at 2 p.m.
Click here to learn more about Arkansas Tech women’s basketball.
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