MONMOUTH, Ore. --- The Western Oregon women's basketball team earned its first win under head coach Coach Jessica Peatross, securing a 94-74 victory against the Academy of Art in its season opener at the NPE Building on Friday night during the GNAC/PacWest Conference Challenge.

Academy of Art (0-1) jumped out to a 16-2 lead early in the first quarter, but a 3-pointer from Cali McClave sparked a 16-5 run for the Wolves (1-0), ending the quarter down just 21-18.

The Wolves overtook the Urban Knights in the second quarter to take a 46-36 halftime lead before extending their advantage by outscoring the Urban Knights 48-38 in the second half.

The Wolves shot 49.3 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from behind the arc (10-for-23). McClave finished with 28 points, just one point shy of her career high. McClave added seven assists and grabbed three rebounds, while Bella Pedrojetti had 16 points (shooting 7-for-11 from the field) and four rebounds. Triniti Youngblood added 10 points (5-for-10 from the field), four rebounds, and five assists.

The Wolves' defense played a crucial role in the win, holding the Urban Knights to 15 points in the second quarter and 14 in the third. Kiylynn Dawkins played a key role on that end, picking up four steals for the Wolves.

WOU returns to action Saturday against Westmont College at NPE Building with a 2:15 p.m. tip-off.