In addition to two double-digit efforts on the offensive end, Monaye Merritt was a key defender in each of NSU's wins over their opening weekend. Against North Alabama, the Shark senior had seven rebounds and two steals, while leading a defense that held the Lions to 34 percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers in a 41-point rout. In a much tighter game Saturday, when it mattered most, Merritt was the point person against Lee, hounding the Flames to just 4-of-16 shooting in the 4th quarter, matching her career high with three blocked shots and adding two more steals. NSU forced Lee to 18 turnovers in that game as well.