HENDERSON. Tenn. - Any opposing coach who has scouted the Freed-Hardeman Lady Lions, even just a little bit, will quickly learn that the team's offense runs through junior post Jana Cross.

Knowing it and doing something about it, however, are two different things.

After a stellar sophomore campaign, Cross started off the new season in impressive fashion by scoring 27 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the floor as the Lady Lions eased past Missouri Valley College, 89-55, in their season opener. She also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

Her production was definitely needed as FHU played the game with only eight players in uniform. Kristal Edney, Rakeshia Perry, Julia Myers, and Rachel Melson all sat out due to injuries giving FHU a thin bench.

Cross, though, wasn't the only one to make things happen for the Lady Lions.

Junior Chelsie Alsup, in her first career start, scored a career-high 16 points and knocked down 4-of-5 from three point range. She also handed out a career-best six assists against no turnovers. Jessica Doran had a career night as well, coming off the bench to score 13 points in only 14 minutes of action.

FHU never trailed in the game and led 43-25 at the break en route to the victory. The Lady Lions shot 50 percent from the floor (33-for-66) while the Lady Vikings shot 41.1 percent. FHU also forced 24 turnovers and out-rebounded MVC, 42-30.

The Lady Lions close the LionBacker Classic on Saturday at 4:00 PM against Tougaloo (Miss.) College.