WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. — Autumn Dodd helped a short-handed Three Rivers women's basketball team overcome a slow start Monday night in the season opener.

The eighth-ranked Raiders had a pair of passes picked off and trailed 6-0 in the opening minutes but never trailed after scoring the final four points of the first quarter in an 84-66 win over Williams Baptist JV.

Dodd scored 27 points to go with a team-high seven steals while chipping in four assists and six rebounds. The sophomore sank 12 of 18 shots from the field, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

"She played really good tonight," Raiders coach Alex Wiggs said. "That's a pretty good stat line."

Joi Montgomery had 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals while true freshman Jenna McMillen had 14 points and seven assists in her first start.

The Raiders were without returning All-Americans Myia Yelder and Chaylea Mosby as five players total were out with injuries.

Wiggs said some could return for the home opener at 6 p.m. Wednesday against Dyersburg State (Tenn.) but expects all back before the weekend.

"The kids did a good job," Wiggs said of the changes. "I knew that it would take a little to get used to. We had a lot of kids playing out of position, especially starting the game."

Three Rivers trailed 6-0 at the 8:58 mark but Ahniya Melton scored on a drive to the basket before McMillen sank a 3 to get within a point. Williams Baptist held the lead until Dodd sank a 3 before a foul shot later tied the game at 17-all.

The Raiders led 21-19 at the end of the first quarter then outscored Williams Baptist 21-7 in the second.

Melton chipped in nine points while Kourtney Kendrick led the Raiders reserves with six points, six rebounds and four assists.

The Raiders held a 41-35 rebounding advantage with 19 second-chance points, forced 26 turnovers with 19 steals leading to 28 points. Eight different players had at least one steal for Three Rivers while Montgomery and Abby Turner each had a pair of blocks.

Three Rivers shot 44% from the field, including 8 of 30 from 3-point range.

"Glad to get this first one out of the way, get all the nerves out," Wiggs said. "Overall, proud of their effort. got to continue to get better, got to continue to bring it every day in practice and work on those things."

Brian Rosener - Daily American Republic