JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – The Lander women's basketball team rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit on Friday night to pull out a 55-53 win over Lenoir-Rhyne in the season opener. 

Lander (1-0) used a 16-9 fourth-quarter run to overtake the Bears (0-1) as the Bearcat defense forced nine Lenoir-Rhyne turnovers in the final period. 

Symone Starks led the Bearcats with 19 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Miriam Recarte added 15 points and eight rebounds. Mylea McKenith finished with 12 points on the night and Jessica Harris chipped in seven rebounds and five steals. 

The Bearcats return to action on Saturday afternoon as Lander tangles with third-ranked Carson Newman. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.