CLINTON — The Co-Lin Lady Wolves got off to a slow start beforeregaining their rhythm in the first half to cruise past the HolmesLady Bulldogs 65-41 Tuesday afternoon in the opening round of theNJCAA Regional 23 Tournament at A.E. Wood Coliseum.

In more women’s action, the Itawamba Lady Indians skinned the BatonRouge Lady Bears 70-64 and East Mississippi edged the Jones CountyLady Bobcats 67-66. In the finale, Meridian defeated Gulf Coast84-79.

The defending Region 23 champions Lady Wolves (23-2) resume actiontoday in the semifinals against Itawamba (18-7). Tipoff is at 6p.m. East Mississippi battles Meridian at 8 in the other semifinalgame.

In men’s action, Pearl River entertains East Mississippi at noonand Southern Shreveport tangles with Itawamba at 2 p.m.

Colin 65, Holmes 41

The Lady Wolves started the game sluggish after winning the MACJCWomen’s State Championship four days ago. Co-Lin quickly foundtheir legs to turn up the tempo on the Lady Bulldogs. The LadyWolves took advantage of Holmes miscues and turnovers to build a32-18 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Lady Wolves coasted through the game, doingthe things they needed to win as the Lady Bulldogs struggle thewhole game trying to find their shooting touch.

Sophomore guard Kiara Etienne was the only Lady Wolf to score indouble figures as she pumped in a game-high 19 points.

“This was a game of spurts,” said Co-Lin coach Gwyn Young. “In thefirst half, we took advantage of Holmes’s turnovers and createdthem into points.

“In the second half, we played well enough to get the win,”continued Young. “I am glad to get the win and move on to the nextround. The girls will have to do a better job tomorrow bothoffensively and defensively against Itawamba.”

Freshman guard Dierra Gilmore knocked down a team-high 12 points tolead the Lady Bulldogs (13-7). Louise Collins was the leader on theboards with 10 rebounds.

“Co-Lin outplayed us,” said Holmes assistant coach Jamilah Andrews.”Our girls had a tough time trying to get things startedoffensively and defensively as Co-Lin physically beat us up inevery phrase of the game.”

Itawamba 70, Baton Rouge 64

The Lady Indians had three players to score in double digits asJameika Hoskins contributed a team-high 15 points. Ebony Williamsnetted 15 points and Shay Bonner added 10.

Naketa Roberts was the leader for the Lady Bears with a game-high26 points. Dominique Shelmire provided 10 points.