BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Cassopolis girls basketball team opened up its 2012-13 season with a 41-38 victory over host Berrien Springs Tuesday.

The victory made the debut of Rangers’ coach Nate Pittman a success.

The Rangers (1-0) steadily built a lead through the first two quarters before having to hold off a second half rally by the Shamrocks.

Cassopolis led 7-2 after one quarter and 15-6 by halftime.

Berrien Springs (0-1) cut the lead to 21-16 heading into the final quarter.

“I was very, very happy with the win and with the play of the girls,” Pittman said. “We have a lot of things to work on of course, but that’s to be expected. “I was happy with the way they responded after blowing a lead.”

Brianna Coleman led the Rangers and all scorers with 14 points. Jaleesa Garner added seven points, while Jocelyn Transou had five points and four rebounds.

Cassopolis grabbed 27 rebounds in the contest, including 16 on the offensive end.

Tyann Pierce and Gabby Dortch both scored nine points for the Shamrocks.