High Point dropped its season opener to Western Carolina, 72-47, Sunday afternoon in Cullowhee.

The Panthers led by a point at halftime, 28-27, but the homestanding Catamounts went on a huge roll to grab the win.

Misty Brockman led the way for the Panthers in the first half with 11 points. Both teams were plagued by turnovers to start the game as five were committed by the two teams before WCU's Tiffany Hamm opened scoring with a quick jumper off an assist by Ki-Ki Glass. Hamm and sophomore Jennifer Gardner led the Cats with eight points apiece in the first period.

The Catamounts opened the second half on fire as Yoneko Allen sank a
3-pointer, after getting the assist by Janetta Heggins, to take the lead.
Brockman answered with a 3-pointer of her own to give the lead back to the
Panthers, 31-30. WCU's Kala Greene put up a jumper on the other end to reclaim the lead for Western and the Catamounts would not relinquish the lead again.

The Catamounts put together a 28-4 run which took the Panthers out of it. The Panthers could not regain any momentum as Western Carolina put the game away for a final score of 72-47.

Gardner led all scorers with 16 points, including going an impressive 10-of-11
from the free throw line. Greene contributed 13 points for the Cats, adding five rebounds, while Hamm had 12 points and six rebounds. Heggins led WCU in rebounds with seven.

Brockman led the Panthers with 14 points, adding four rebounds and two steals. Gina Rosser and Katie O'Dell both had six rebounds to lead the team.

The Panthers will host Gardner-Webb in their home-opener Tuesday night at 7:00 pm in the Millis Center.