DUNKIRK — Ken Ricker was so engrossed in his first pregame talk in eight years that he lost track of time.

No problem, though.

The Dunkirk girls basketball team rewarded its new coach with a convincing season-opening victory.

Kymie Nance scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds; Amari Carter had 14 points and 20 boards; and Nadara Odell had 11 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Marauders to a 55-39 victory over Nardin in a non-league season opener on Monday night.

“The first three possessions (of the game) we turned (Nardin) over three times and we ran three sets,” said Ricker, who last coached on the varsity level at Jamestown High School during the 2011-2012 season. “Each time we got exactly what we wanted — an open 3-pointer, Kymie had a layup and we hit another (3-pointer). We just ran our stuff to perfection.”

Dunkirk led 16-7 after the first quarter and 25-19 at the break, but went on a 17-2 surge in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

“I can’t tell you how rewarding it is,” Ricker said. “We ran plays and they tried really hard. … It’s the best win in eight years.”

Ainsley Boras led Nardin with 16 points.

“(Nardin) was big, and they didn’t have a scouting report on us,” Ricker said. “Next thing you know it’s 8-0 and we’re running our stuff really well. It’s a long road and we have a lot to do, but today was a good first day.”

The Lady Marauders are back in action at 6 tonight when they entertain Tapestry.

“We get right back at it,” Ricker said. “It’s a different team and a different challenge. Hopefully we’ll be up to it.”

NARDIN (39)

Higgins 2 0 5, Kostelny 2 0 5, Leakowski 0 1 1, Jauch 2 0 4, Boras 6 4 16, Spira 1 2 4, Ulrich 1 2 4, Totals 14 8 39.

DUNKIRK (55)

Odell 5 1 11, Beehler 1 1 4, Nance 8 1 19, Smith 2 0 6, Porter 0 1 1, Carter 5 4 14, Totals 21 8 55.

3-point goals–Higgins, Kostelny, Beehler, Nance 2, Smith 2.

Nardin 7 12 2 18 — 39

Dunkirk 16 9 17 12 — 55

Jayvees: Nardin won

COUGARS PREVAIL

SINCLAIRVILLE — Cassadaga Valley (2-1) was a 53-33 winner over Cattaraugus-Little Valley (0-1) in non-league girls basketball action.

Kaylee Pattyson had 12 points, four rebounds and three assists; Brooke Repine added 11 points, eight rebounds and five steals; Isabella Ruiz had eight points, three assists and six steals; McKenzie Haskins collected eight points and seven rebounds; and Meghan LeBaron chipped in seven points and 11 rebounds for the winners.

Summer Harper had nine points, Lauren Eaton six points with nine rebounds while Emma Rupp had seven points and eight rebounds for the Lady Timberwolves.