COLUMBIA, Mo.— In the season opener, the (RV) Stephens Stars soared to a 79-69 victory over Ottawa University at the first-ever CoMo Classic, co-hosted with cross-town rivals Columbia College. Fans packed into Southwell Complex to witness the Stars. 

The game opened with both teams trading baskets, but the Stars soon found their rhythm. LaiJanique Perry-Ellis set the tone with a series of mid-range jumpers and two quick three-pointers in the second quarter, helping Stephens surge ahead with a 26-point period. 

Sophomore returner, Syderah Farmer, who added 17 points and 10 rebounds, was a defensive powerhouse, battling inside to give the Stars a 46-26 advantage in points in the paint. 

Late in the third quarter, Farmer grabbed an offensive rebound, muscled through two defenders, and converted a layup, extending Stephens' lead and igniting her teammates on the bench.

By the fourth quarter, Ottawa's Kennedy Bankett tried to rally the Braves, scoring crucial points on a series of fast breaks, but Stephens held strong. 

Taylor Norris grabbed a game-high eight rebounds, with two of them coming in the final minutes as Ottawa pressed to close the gap. Norris also scored a key layup early in the fourth that kept Ottawa from getting within single digits.

With the win, Stephens opens its season with momentum as they continue the CoMo Classic tomorrow, Nov. 3, facing off at 3 p.m. at their home court in Silverthorne Arena, following Columbia College's matchup against Ottawa University at 1 p.m.