Four players scored in double figures to help the William Jewell College women's basketball team earn an 84-52 season-opening home win against Avila on Monday in Liberty. 

The Cards (1-0) trailed 7-3 early before taking control of the game by going on a 27-3 run to lead 30-10 halfway through the first half.  The Cards pressure defense forced 19 first half Eagle turnovers and Jewell drained six three pointers to lead 46-25 at halftime. 

The Cards were able to keep the pressure on Avila and forced seven more turnovers after the half and Jewell was able to hold the Eagles to 38.3-percent shooting for the game.

Maddie Nelson led the Cards with 15 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the field.  Aerial Smith added 14 points, 7 rebounds and four assists while Kelsey Nickerson and
Hayli Jo Smith were also in double figures for Jewell each scoring 12. 

Rebekah Capeder led the Eagles with 15 points and Michaela Brinkley added 11.

Jewell held the advantage on the boards, 38-34 and the Cards shot 45.5-percent from the field including 10-26 from three point land. 

The Cardinals will participate in the annual Winstead Reeves Classic this weekend.  Friday the Cardinals take on Northwest Missouri State University at 7:30 p.m. in Maryville, Mo., followed by a Saturday contest against Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m.