The Austin girls basketball team opened its season on a strong note as it topped Stewartville (0-1 overall) 61-29 in Ove Berven Gym Saturday.

Mer Gach led the Packers (1-0 overall) with 17 points and Shayley Vesel added 14 points.

The Packers led 30-19 at the half.

Austin scoring: Mer Gach, 17; Shayley Vesel, 14; Merideth Fritz, 8; Ruth Koang, 7; Tory Grev, 5; Sydney Murphy, 4; Kristine Synder, 2; Jaidyn Bastian, 2; free throws: 53 percent (10-for-19)