Big First Quarter Lifts Cape Fear to 75–68 Victory

Cape Fear came out firing on Saturday, dominating the opening quarter 31–11 and grabbing full control of the matchup with Catawba Valley. The Sea Devils looked sharp on both ends, using that early burst to create a cushion they would need later in the afternoon.

Catawba Valley worked its way back into the game across the middle quarters, and the pressure continued into the fourth as Cape Fear's offense cooled. But the Sea Devils leaned on their strong start and held on late for a 75–68 Region 10 win, improving to 6–2 overall and 4–2 in conference play.

After the game, Coach Felicity Havens praised Maggie Hawley's steadiness, saying, "Maggie played a solid game keeping us under control, and she showed a lot of leadership and composure." Havens added that the team's start was exactly what she had hoped for, but the finish left room for growth. "We started strong and didn't finish the way I would've liked us to, but luckily we were able to pull out the W," she said.

She also credited Catawba Valley for its push. "I'm grateful we were able to play a team like Catawba, who fought all four quarters," Havens said. "The girls got comfortable with the lead we had and allowed Catawba to come back and gain some light. Moving forward, we have to continue to put our foot on the gas."

Even with the late surge from the visitors, Havens closed with pride in her group: "Overall, I'm proud of the girls for starting that strong and pulling out the W."

Cape Fear hits the road next, traveling to Fayetteville Tech for a 6:00 PM tipoff on Thursday.