New Era: Eagles defeat No.9 Hillsborough in season opener; Bedell earns first win at Tallahassee

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information
@brendenmartin28

TAMPA, Fla. (November 1, 2013) - The Tallahassee Community College Eagles started the season off on the right foot as they defeated the Hillsborough Community College Hawks 72-61 in NJCAA women's basketball action.  

Friday's season opener marked the beginning of the Franqua "Q" Bedell era at Tallahassee Community College. 

Tallahassee came into tonight's game ranked No. 5 in the FCSAA Women's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Poll while Hillsborough was ranked No. 9. It was the first of three meetings between the two teams this season. 

The Eagles played very well, leading by as many as 25 points before Hillsborough made a late charge to close the final margin. 

Four players scored in double-figures for the Eagles. Tallahassee native Tyeshia Guinnie was the leading scorer with 21 points. Right behind her was Addesha Collins with 15 points. 

There is no telling what to expect from a team who hired a new coach during the offseason and must replace five All-Panhandle Conference players, but it would appear that this team is on the right track. Coach Q's plan to change the mindset of his players seems to be working. 

The Tallahassee women will play game two of their season across the bay against St. Petersburg College on Saturday. St. Petersburg, the defending Southern Conference Champions, went 24-8 last year and comes into the preseason with a No. 4 FCSAA ranking. 

Saturday's tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. eastern.