Riverside-Junior transfer Lauren Holt scored 22 points, and connected on five of seven three-point attempts to lead three players in double figures as the UC Riverside Women's Basketball Team won its season opener, 72-44, over San Diego State.

UCR led 19-15 after the first period. The first period in which Holt saw action as a Highlander, an opportunity she took full advantage of, shooting 5-6, including 3-3 from long distance in amassing 13 points to pace the team.

The home side then dominated the second period outscoring the Aztecs 19-1 over an eight minute span to take full control of the game. In the run, Simone DeCoud had nine points, three rebounds, and a pair of assists.

The Highlander defense forced the visitors into 12 turnovers for the half, and held them to just 1-11, 0-5 from three, shooting in the period, with four of their six points coming at the free-throw line. 

UCR led 40-21 at the break.Rejane Verin was the lead facilitator, dishing out six assists, while grabbing three boards and scoring six points of her own. 

The third period was the closest of the night, 14-12 in favor of UC Riverside, who saw sharpshooter Holt finish the period with four fouls.

The Highlander offensive flow remained as Verin continued to find open teammates in tallying four assists in the final 10 minutes.

UCR would claim a victory in the season opener for the third year in a row with Friday evening's, 72-44, win.

Holt's 22 points on 8-13 shooting, 5-7 from deep, led all scorers, while DeCoud nearly notched a double-double with 17 points and nine boards. Michelle Curry poured in 13 points to round out the three players in double figures for Coach Margaritis' squad. 

Verin finished with a career-high 11 assists, to go with six points and five boards.

McKenzie Fort had 14 points for San Diego State, who got eight rebounds from Ariell Bostick in the loss.

Clemence Lefebvre returned to the UCR lineup, after missing the second half of last year with an injury, to score eight points on 4-5 shooting in 33 minutes of play.

The UC Riverside Women's Basketball Team will hit the road next week a pair of games at Pac-12 powerhouses, USC Wednesday and Cal on Friday.