FERRIDAY, La. – The 2000-2001 Lady Hounds opened their season as the Huntington faithful hoped they would – with a win.

The Lady Hounds defeated the Tallulah Lady Trojans 45-33 Thursday in a game that pleased – but did not thrill – head coach Penny Moak.

&uot;For our first game, we did all right,&uot; she said. &uot;We hustled well, played pretty good defense.

&uot;But our shooting leaves a lot to be desired,&uot; she said. &uot;But that will come in the future, I think.&uot;

Huntington led for the vast majority of the game, but never put Tallulah away for good.

The Lady Hounds led 30-17 early in the third quarter, but then let the lead slip to only six points.

Huntington reserves, led by junior center JoLee Hughes, who scored six second-half points, stepped up to preserve the lead and the win.

&uot;The bench did well,&uot; Moak said. &uot;The momentum didn’t change when they were in there.

&uot;I was able to play a lot of people in and out,&uot; she said. &uot;I was able to see who could do what.&uot;

A pair of sophomores led the Lady Hounds in scoring. Point guard Sarah Ashmore had 17 points, and forward Tessa Taunton chipped in eight.

Audrey Bess Hopkins led the Lady Trojans with 15 points, nine of them off of three three-pointers.

The Lady Trojans jumped out to an early 7-4 lead, but never led again, thanks in part to Huntington’s defense and press, according to sophomore forward Tiffany Ferguson.

&uot;I think we’re going to have a good team,&uot; she added.

Tallulah’s junior-varsity girls team defeated the JV Lady Hounds 42-34.

Huntington’s second game will be another home match, as the Lady Hounds host Silliman Academy at 4 p.m. Nov. 9. Only the varsity team will play.