SOLENT Stars women ran out emphatic 99-31 winners over Leicester Riders in the first round of the National Trophy.

Catherine Brownsell returned from injury to make an instant impression with some great defence and two early fast-break baskets and, by the end of the first quarter, Solent had steamed 23-6 up thanks to an impressive 9-0 run to which Claire Wiseman, Lynne Powell and Katerina Syngellakis all contributed.

Wiseman opened with three points as the onslaught continued in the second quarter and, as the coaches began to rotate the players, Carrie Jones stepped in to score from Wiseman's assist and then added six more points playing with real poise on offence.

Jones then turned provider for another fast-break basket from Eszter Ball before juniors Jodi Jerram and Alice Walton were introduced to the game along with Kathryn Hield.

Even though they led by 31 points at half-time, Stars were instructed to keep their focus and not drop their defensive intensity. Some of their movement in the third quarter was a joy to watch as all five starters scored and Ball also got in on the act, hitting three points as the quarter ended.

Jerram, enjoying her best spell for the senior team, pushed the ball down court and hit her open shots in the final quarter, while Walton started to nail her perimeter shots well against a tiring Leicester side.

A tie against Taunton Tigers awaits Solent in the second round.

Solent scorers: Syngellakis 15, Wiseman 13, Jones 12, Ball 11, Brownsell 11, Powell 10, Jerram 10, Walton 7, Willmore 6, Hield 4.