LEWISTON – Eight days can be a long time to wait after a loss.

After gearing up for their season opener at USM last week, the Bates College women’s basketball team had to mix patience with preparation for a second outing.

“We wanted to make up for that game that we lost,” said senior forward Matia Kostakis. “We obviously want to win games. We couldn’t wait to get back on the court again.”

Bates lost at USM one week ago Tuesday, and has been gearing up for Wednesday’s home opener against Husson. The game didn’t disappoint, and the Bobcats roared to a 96-54 victory.

“We had a lot of things to work on in that week,” said junior forward Val Beckwith. “We’re just improving everyday. We’re obviously excited to get on our home court. It’s always a very exciting game no matter who it’s against.”

Bates (1-1) earned its first win with a solid performance from its entire roster. Each player scored and subs contributed at key times. The Bobcats, down by one, outscored the Eagles 15-2 to build a 47-21 lead by halftime.

“It was a good solid effort,” said Bates coach Jim Murphy. “It was great to see everybody play and everybody contribute. Everybody played well.”

Beckwith led the Bobcats with 17 points and five rebounds. Freshman Chelsea Pennucci added 14 while sophomore Danielle Schaefers chipped in 10. Bates also got nine from Kellie Goodridge, eight from Christine McCall and ShawnRose Lanchantin and seven from Maggie DePoy.

“That’s awesome in a first home game,” said Beckwith. “For everyone to get a chance to get out there, everyone played great. We have a lot of depth.”

Shelby Pickering led Husson with 13. The Eagles (0-3) struggled early, turning the ball over five times in the first three minutes. Bates roared out to a 7-0 lead but couldn’t continue to build on Husson’s mistakes. The Eagles had 26 turnovers in the first half.

“The starters got off to a great start on the first minute but then they struggled,” said Murphy. “We really got great contributions from people off the bench. I thought our first-years played quite well.”

Bates was plagued by turnovers and missed shots and watched Husson take an 8-7 lead after eight straight points. The Eagles would get back-to-back baskets only once more the rest of the half. Bates’ offensive effort began to match its defensive work, and the shots began to fall.

“It took a little time to get our eagerness out and get it out of our system and play again to win,” said Kostakis.

After going four minutes without a point, Bates started moving the ball effectively, getting some rebounds and hitting shots during the 15-2 spurt.

“I think, in the beginning, it was the first time here and with the fans, everyone was a little anxious and excited,” said Beckwith. “Then we settled down a little bit and focused and ran our plays.”

Schaefers began the run with a turn-around shot and McCall followed with a rebound. McCall added a pair of free throws. After a rebound by Schaefers, Goodridge hit a 3-pointer, turning an 8-7 deficit into an 18-8 lead.

After a Pickering basket, scores by Schaefers and Lanchantin made it 22-10. Another eight straight points had the lead up to 36-13 late in the half. Beckwith, Goodridge, Kostakis and Brittney French all scored during that stretch.

“It was just making sure everyone was on the same page and getting the job done,” said Kostakis. “Everyone knows what their roles are on the court and its a matter of getting the screws and the bolts tightened.”