The Alabama women’s basketball team tipped off the 2014-15 campaign in Coleman Coliseum  in the first game of a men’s and women’s doubleheader on Friday night It was big night for the program, and one coach Kristy Curry said she enjoyed. Alabama is now 1-0, after defeating Florida A&M 60-42.

“It was great to start the season with a win. It definitely was a little bit ugly at times, but I’m proud of our kids for finding a way,” Curry said. “We were excited to tip off our season with the men and support their program.”

Sophomore Ashley Williams backed up her double-double from the exhibition on Sunday with another one. It was her seventh career double-double, and she finished 8-10 shooting with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

“She had a lot of touches and we want her to continue to get a lot of touches, but we got to have that balance,” Curry said. “She has to have a big night, and that is a lot on her shoulders as a sophomore, but we are asking her to do that consistently.”

Some of that balance came from two freshmen. Meoshonti Knight and Hannah Cook were both in double figures with 10 points each in their first ever Alabama basketball games.

“I do think our class can make a big difference, just team effort really,” Cook said. “We just can’t act like freshmen. We need to act mature and grow up fast.”

The Crimson Tide built its lead in the first half after a 17-5 run. Alabama was down 8-6 and rallied to gain a 35-13 lead with 3:36 left in the half. After the run, Alabama never let up the lead. Up next on the schedule is No. 7 Duke at Foster Auditorium Sunday at 7 p.m. 

“The margin for error Sunday will become very narrow, but we are excited about the opportunity, and embrace that experience,” Curry said.