With Donyeah Mayfield back in the lineup, the Missy Gators (1-2) rolled to their first win of the season.

Mayfield, the reigning Vicksburg Post girls player of the year, poured in a game-best 20 points to go with 11 rebounds and six steals to lead the Missy Gators. Shanequa Hill added 14 points, eight assists, five steals and five rebounds.

That was enough to please coach Barbara Hartzog.

“It was a whole lot better than the other two games,” Hartzog said of her team’s 0-2 start. Mayfield was suspended for last week’s loss at Wingfield.

The Missy Gators led 41-21 in the third quarter when the Lady Jaguars picked up the defense and got back in the game. They cut the lead to 10, at 46-36, before Mayfield and Hill were able to stabilize things.

“On a team with a lot of guards, we sure have a hard time against a lot of pressure,” Hartzog said. “To have a good team, we have to have someone else show some initiative.”

The Missy Gators responded with an 11-1 run to open the fourth quarter to build the lead back to 20. Hartzog said defense was a key.

“They’ve gotten to know each other better and the jitters are out after three games,” Hartzog said. “Our defense and rebounding have got to carry us.”