MACON - The Meridian girls basketball team came back from a 10-point first-quarter deficit to win 33-32 over Arthur-Lovington in Mike Fulk's debut as the Hawks' coach on Monday.

Down 16-6 after the first quarter, Meridian held the Knights to 10 points over the next two quarters to take a 28-26 lead entering the final quarter.

"It was a new type of offense for them and there were some first-game jitters. They seemed quite nervous," Fulk said. "It was pretty ugly there in the first quarter. But we clawed back into the game with our defense. The girls didn't give up, and they were able to come back and win the game."

Lauren Doyle dominated the game offensively, scoring 19 points, including a 3-pointer.

"She's our leader," Fulk said. "She stepped up big and was a key to the game for us."

Also for Meridian, Erica Funk had seven points and 12 rebounds.

Arthur-Lovington was led by Stacie McMillan with 12 points and Cortney Rahn with 11. Carson Day didn't score, but she had five rebounds and five assists.

It was the season opener for both teams as they got started on the first day that high school girls games could be played. Meridian plays again Thursday at Nokomis.