NEWPORT NEWS - Kicking off the 30th season of Apprentice School women's basketball, the Builders defeated Patrick & Henry Wednesday night, 63-53, on Alumni Night in front of a number of former players and coaches of the program.

Despite a sluggish start, the Builder defense kept the game tight early on. PHCC led by two after the first quarter, but a 10-2 run for Apprentice midway through the second quarter flipped the game on its head and allowed the Builders to lead 28-24 at halftime.

Apprentice came out hot in the second half, starting the third quarter on an 11-0 run to stretch the lead to 15, the largest of the day, but the Patriots did not go quietly, trimming the lead down to as few as eight in the fourth quarter.

Ronnice Berry led the Builders with 22 points and 11 rebounds to notch her second double-double of the season. Joy Wright had 13, while Carlee Baidy finished two points shy of a double-double as well.

The Builders will look to keep the winning streak going on Saturday at William Peace. Tip time is 2 p.m. in Raleigh, North Carolina.