ST. PETERSBURG, Florida -- Alverno College outscored Agnes Scott College by 20 points in the second half and captured a 70-43 victory in the first game of the St. Pete Classic Friday morning inside Eckerd College's McArthur Center.

The Inferno (5-5) forced the Scotties (1-9) into 21 turnovers which led to 19 points. Gabby Hood led the defense with a game-high four steals.

Alverno led by just four after the first quarter and seven at halftime, but outscored Agnes Scott by 12 in the third and eight in the fourth for the lopsided win.

Tessa Mersberger and Karli Selear combined to shoot 7-of-11 from the 3-point arc and led the Inferno in scoring with 15 and 11 points -- both marks tied their season highs. Hood and Brooke McBainchipped in eight points apiece.

Donna Zehner hauled in a game-high seven rebounds as Alverno outrebounded the Scotties 35-24 in the contest.

Laniqua Collins shot 6-of-8 from the floor and led Agnes Scott with 14 points.

The Inferno returns to action in the St. Pete Classic tomorrow versus Wesley College. Tipoff is again set for 11 a.m. Eastern time.