COLUMBUS - The Discoverers opened up 2025 in the best way possible; A win over their bitter rival.

Columbus hosted Norfolk on Thursday evening, ringing in the new year with a victory after a competitive contest.

Things were even early, with the Panthers and Discoverers being tied at 9 early in the second quarter. That's when the Columbus defense began to ratchet up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and turning those possessions into points.

Columbus led 30-22 at halftime, but Norfolk hung in through the early fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 5 points.

The Discoverers knocked down a few clutch shots and locked things down on the defensive end, stretching the lead to 20 points and blowing the doors open in a 48-28 win.

Abby Haynes scored 14 points in the win for Columbus, while forcing 6 steals. Charli Preister scored 10, while Grayson Gentile scored 5 points and tallied 4 blocks.

Skylar Indra paved the way for Norfolk in the loss, scoring 10.

Columbus improves to 5-3, while Norfolk falls to 1-7.