VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Wittenberg Tigers opened the 2005-06 season with a squeaker, pulling out a 68-66 decision over the University of the Ozarks in the first round of the Virginia Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament.

The win moved the Tigers into Saturday's championship game against the host Marlins, a 79-72 overtime victor against Washington College (Md.).

The Tigers trailed at halftime by five points, but they battled back in a see-saw second half that included several ties. Ozarks held a lead as late at 4:15 remaining in the game before the Tigers got a jumper from freshman Rachel Dixon and a pair of free throws each from sophomore Ali Rohlfs and junior Megan Miller to move out to a five-point advantage. From that point, the Tigers simply held on.

Three Wittenberg players finished with double figures in scoring, led by Miller and Rohlfs with 12 points apiece. They added six and four rebounds respectively, while Rohlfs also contributed team-bests of three assists and four steals.

Playing big in the post was junior Kathy Hittle, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, picking up where she left off a year ago when she led the Tigers in double-doubles.