The Liberty Lady Flames have opened the season with a 3-2 record while playing a tough schedule out of conference. Here’s a recap of the first few weeks of the season:

W, 77-58 vs Valpo, Nov. 4

Playing next door to her high school in Xenia, Ohio, Liberty senior Emma Hess scored a game high 20 points. She helped spark the Lady Flames to a comfortable win in both teams’ season opener in the first game of the Total Athlete Tip-Off. Hess made 6 of Liberty’s 13 triples on the afternoon. Jordan Hodges added 18 points and 8 assists while Bella Smuda also reached double figures with 12 points.

L, 83-67 vs #11 Duke, Nov. 7

The Lady Flames put up a good fight against #11 Duke at Liberty Arena in the second game of the season. Liberty trailed by only two at halftime, but the Blue Devils took control during the third quarter. They shot 75% and knocked down four triples, propelling them to a win before the largest women’s basketball crowd in Liberty Arena history (2,845). Asia Boone led the way for the Flames with 15 points while Emma Hess added 11 points.

W, 72-44 vs Cal Baptist, Nov. 9

Cal Baptist averaged over 80 points per game last season on its way to a 28-win campaign, WAC title and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Liberty defense stymied the Lancers in a dominating victory. Bella Smuda had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks while Asia Boone had 16 points to lead a balanced Liberty attack.

L, 109-93 @ Tennessee, Nov. 16

Tennessee used a fast start and 33 points from Talaysia Cooper to defeat Liberty in a high scoring contest. Bella Smuda tied her career high with 27 points while freshman Avery Mills knocked in 19 points, including three triples. Emma Hess scored 11 points while Emily Howard chipped in 10.

W, 64-57 @ Towson, Nov. 24

With the score tied at 55 and less than two minutes remaining, Liberty reeled off nine straight points to pull out the victory on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore. Liberty was 9 of 12 from the foul line and held the Tigers 0 of 4 from the field with a turnover during this decisive stretch. Emma Hess scored 15 points while Asia Boone added 14 points and Bella Smuda got into double figures with 12 points to go along with her 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Upcoming schedule

11/27 @ Grand Canyon, 1:30 p.m., ESPN+
11/30 vs Christopher Newport, 4 p.m., ESPN+