Rocky Mount, N.C. - The women's basketball team of North Carolina Wesleyan kicked off its 2011-2012 season at home on Tuesday night, dropping a 74-62 decision to Virginia Wesleyan in Everett Gymnasium.
With both teams struggling through opening-night jitters, it was the Bishops who forged a 21-17 lead midway the period. The Marlins, however, caught fire with a 23-5 run over the final seven minutes to take a 40-26 lead into the break.
The second half saw NCWC cut the lead to eight with an 8-2 run over the first three minutes . The Bishops later trimmed the deficit to six, 68-62, on a Samantha Urquhart jumper with 2:46 remaining, but they would get no closer as VWC ended the game with a 6-0 run for the 12-point victory.
NCWC had four players reach double-figures, led by sophomore Monet Edwards with 13. Urquhart finished with a game-high 13 rebounds for the Bishops, who held a 47-43 edge on the boards.
VWC was paced by Kristen Blalock's 24 points. As a team, the Marlins shot 39 percent to the Bishops' 30, while both teams knocked down six three-pointers.
The Bishops (0-1) return to action this weekend at Frostburg State University's Tip-Off Tournament. NCWC will take on the host Bobcats on Friday night at 6:00pm.