The Lady Vikings opened the season by thumping Red Springs 60-23 in a nonconference basketball game Monday at Union Pines' Bob Ward Gymnasium.

After one period of play, the Vikes established control of the game, taking an 18-2 lead. By halftime the UP girls enjoyed a 32-8 lead over the visiting Red Devils (0-1).

Senior captain Tyesha McLean set a torrid pace early for Union Pines, tallying six points, three assists and two steals in the opening quarter. The four-year starting guard went on to finish with 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Her fellow co-captain, junior Crystal Hicks, had two points, seven steals, six rebounds and four assists in the tilt

Sophomore Tyler Ross led the Vikings in scoring and rebounding, finishing with 17 points and nine boards along with five steals and three assists.

With the win the Lady Vikings are now 1-0 on the year, as they travel to North Moore (0-0) to face the Lady Mustangs at 6 p.m. tonight in Robbins.