AMERICUS, Ga- The Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team (6-2, 1-0) opened up Peach Belt Conference play with a win over Francis Marion University (4-4, 0-1) Saturday evening in the Storm Dome.

The first quarter was tied twice and the lead changed four times before FMU led 11-9 at the end.

The Lady 'Canes tied the game twice in the beginning of the second quarter, fell behind by six points at the 6:32 mark and tied it back up within two minutes. Chanice Whitton started it off with two free throws, followed by Brittany Grant with a layup and Mallory Diamond tied it 23-23 with a layup.

Khayla Owens took the lead with a layup at the 1:29 mark and Whitney Young followed it up with a layup ten seconds later to give GSW a three point lead. Kya Cochran made two free throws with 17 seconds left and FMU made a layup to trail 33-30 at halftime.

FMU tied the game 41-41 with 5:35 remaining in the third quarter then took a two point lead. The game was tied five more times in the third quarter until GSW took and kept the lead. Grant started if off with two free throws that gave the Lady 'Canes a one point lead. Holden made two more free throws and Cochran made one to give GSW a 54-50 lead with 59 seconds left. GSW headed into the last quarter up 58-52.

GSW went on a seven point run after FMU made the first basket of the fourth. Diamond put in a jump shot followed by Grant with a 3-pointer and two free throws to give GSW a 65-54 lead with 6:44 left.

The Lady 'Canes kept up the momentum and took took a 72-63 win to start off PBC play.

Grant led the Lady 'Canes with 14 points, Whitton scored 12 and Diamond had nine. Holden recorded her third double double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lady Hurricanes are home on Monday to host UNC Pembroke in a conference game at 1:30 p.m.