FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Veteran coach Steve McDonald won't forget his 300^th coaching victory at Fairmont State.

FSU's Lady Falcons rallied from a three-point deficit in the final 14 seconds of their 2015-16 season opener to defeat Shaw University, 62-61, on Friday evening in the first round of the CIAA-MEC Challenge at Fayetteville State University.

McDonald, who is in his 16^th season as the head coach of the Lady Falcons, now has a 300-143 record (.677).

With 14 seconds remaining Fairmont's Makenzie White drained a pair of free throws to pull her team to within one at 61-60. FSU's Deidra Combs then stole the ball and fed White for a layup which gave the Lady Falcons the lead for good at 62-61.

FSU got another steal on the inbounds pass and put up an ill-advised shot, but stole the ball again to seal the win as time ran out.

"We didn't play very well, but to our kids credit they found a way to grind it out and get a victory," McDonald said. "We recorded three steals in the final 14 seconds.

"When we were down three there with 14 seconds left I looked at the girls and told them 'Players make plays.' They went out and got it done for us."

Junior forward Amanda Ruffner led Fairmont State with 21 points and eight rebounds in the victory. FSU also got 19 points, six rebounds and four assists from White, who missed all of last season due to injury. Deidra Combs also chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.

Bryann Guyton led Shaw University with 13 points after going 5-of-6 from the floor. Eboni Ross recorded a double-double for the Bears with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Shaw held a 23-0 advantage in bench scoring.

Fairmont State will return to action tomarrow in the Challenge when it tangles with home-standing Fayetteville State at 2 p.m.