CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – Madi Maxwell had a near double-double, tying her career-high with a game-high 18 points, to power the Concordia Texas women's basketball team past Ozarks 68-56 in their season opener on Thursday.

A quartet of Tornados finished the game in double figures, led by Maxwell, who scored 12 of her 18 points in the first half, including a pair of 3-pointers.

Meanwhile, CTX defensive pressure forced 21 Eagles' turnovers, which the Tornados converted into 26 points on the night.

It was a rough start for CTX, who were playing in their first official game in nearly a year. In the opening quarter UO dominated in the paint early and often to take a 20-16 advantage after the first period, despite Maxwell's eight points.

The Tornados bounced back in the second though, opening the quarter on a 12-2 run to regain the lead.

Chelsea Cogborn, who saw her freshman season come to an abrupt end due to injury last year, scored six points in the period along with a pair of blocks and the Tornados held a slight edge, 33-32, as the teams headed to the locker room. Cogborn finish the game with eight points and three boards.

The Eagles, though, mounted another run, opening the second half on an 11-4 advantage to take a 43-37 lead midway through the third quarter.

Concordia Texas responded once again with a run of their own, sparked by Kennedy Donovan, who scored five of her 12 points in the period as the Tornados closed out quarter scoring 14 of the next 15 points and led 51-44 heading into the fourth.

In the final period, Ozarks would cut the deficit down to one after a layup with 6:05 left, but the Tornados never relinquished the lead, pulling away late thanks to free throws from Havyn Perez and defeated the Eagles 68-56 for their first win of the year.

Perez finished with 10 points along with five assists and three rebounds, while Natalie Velardez added 11 points on four shots.

Next, Concordia Texas will remain on the road and have a quick turnaround as they travel to Richardson, Texas for a showdown with UT Dallas on Saturday at 1 p.m. inside the UTD Activity Center.