The Emery Lady Spartans opened the 2023-24 campaign with a dominating 65-16 win over Juan Diego Tuesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Emery put together a stellar defensive performance, shutting out Juan Diego in the first quarter, while capturing a 16-0 lead heading into the second. Finally, with 4:47 remaining in the first half, Juan Diego scored their first point. By that time, the Lady Spartans had garnered an insurmountable advantage.

“Tonight showed us that defense does win ball games,” said senior Karleigh Stilson. “Offense will come, but if we win the defensive battle, we know we will more than likely come out on top.”

As a team Emery gathered 14 steals and finished with five blocks. The biggest advantage came on the offensive glass as they ended with 26 rebounds, creating multiple second and third chance opportunities throughout the game.

Junior Kali Jensen scored a game-high 18 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Juan Diego had no answer for Jensen, who seemed to get to the basket at will as she finished 6-of-7 inside the three-point line.

Katelyn Nielson connected on her last five shot attempts of the game as she too reached double figures, ending with 11 points. Aliya Lester chipped in with eight points and Kenadie Maughan scored six and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench.

While the Lady Spartans held a 34-6 lead at the end of the first half, the team played a much more controlled game over the final two quarters. After turning the ball over 10 times in the first half, they committed only one turnover in the second half.

With the regular season now underway the heavy schedule will continue for Emery as they travel on the road Thursday to Blanding to meet San Juan. The next home game will take place Tuesday, Nov. 21 against Provo.