MARSHALL, Texas – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas made their NCAA Division III debut in grand fashion Friday as they defeated Louisiana College 92-65.

At East Texas Baptist University's Ornelas Gymnasium, Sheridan Hopkins (SR/Galveston, Texas) scored 30 points on 13-of-23 shooting to lead the Celts (1-0).

Seven UST players scored eight points or more for the Celts in the win over Louisiana College. Micayla Hamilton (FR/Richmond, Texas) scored 10 points off the UST bench in her collegiate debut, while Zariah McInnis (JR/Richmond, Texas) scored nine points for the Celts.

Briana De Los Santos (SR/Houston, Texas), Bresha Orange (SR/Longview, Texas), Aerial Starks (SO/Houston, Texas), and Jazz Taylor (SR/Duncanville, Texas) scored eight points apiece for the Celts, who will play three games in three days during their weekend in Northeast Texas.

The Celts finished the first period with a 13-4 run to take a 25-18 lead after the first 10 minutes of play. After an LC jumper began the second period, the Celts ran off eight unanswered points to take a 33-20 lead.

UST removed any doubts about the final outcome with a 7-0 run late in the third period that gave the Celts a 70-47 lead with 1:48 remaining in the quarter.

The Celts will face host East Texas Baptist on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Celts will conclude their trip north with a game at LeTourneau on Sunday afternoon.