BRANDON, Man. – The Regina Cougars entered the Canada West conference season ranked no. 3 in the coaches pre-season poll and lived up to the high bill in Friday night's opener, running to a 93-47 victory.
 
Four Cougars finished in double figures and another finished just shy of a double-double, as the team jumped to an early lead and didn't look back.
 
Reigning Canada West rookie of the year Jade Belmore picked up right where she left off last year, notching a double-double and leading all scorers (17 pts, 11 rebounds). Julia Vydrova was just one point shy of a double-double as well (9 pts, 10 rebounds).
 
Rachel Vanderhooft finished with 13 points and four assists while Cara Misskey put up 11 points to go with eight assists.
 
The Bobcats were led by Noah Garcia's team-high 10 points while Chelsea Misskey and Andrea Taruc each had nine points.
 
The two teams meet again Saturday at the Brandon University Healthy Living Centre to conclude the weekend series.
 
Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.