INDIANA, Pa. — The IUP Crimson Hawks women's basketball team opened the NCAA Atlantic Regional with a convincing 79-53 victory over the Charleston Golden Eagles women's basketball on Friday at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

IUP used an efficient offensive performance and balanced scoring to secure the first-round win. The Crimson Hawks shot 56.4% from the field and placed multiple players in double figures.

Senior guard Nyshae Weaver led the way with 18 points, shooting 8-for-10 from the field while adding three rebounds and two assists.

Teresa Maggio recorded a double-double with 17 points and a team-high 10 rebounds while knocking down three 3-pointers. Marin Miller added 12 points and five rebounds for the Crimson Hawks.

Ellie Wilkerson contributed nine points and dished out a team-best five assists, while Molly Keane chipped in nine points off the bench.

IUP came out strong offensively, shooting nearly 67% in the opening quarter to build an early lead. The Crimson Hawks maintained control throughout the contest, finishing 7-of-18 from 3-point range and converting 10-of-12 free throws.

The Crimson Hawks also dominated in the paint, scoring 34 points inside and turning Charleston turnovers into 24 points.

With the victory, IUP advances to the next round of the NCAA Atlantic Regional as it continues its postseason run on Saturday at 7:30 pm inside the KCAC.