Rocky Mount, N.C. - Junior Alexis Fitzgerald poured in a career-high 25 points on Saturday afternoon to help her Battling Bishop women's basketball team earn a 58-53 victory over visiting Ferrum College in USA South play. With the win, Wesleyan moves to 5-7 overall, 2-1 in league action.

The Panthers (5-8, 3-1 USA South) held a slim 29-27 halftime lead and went on to out-score the Bishops 14-10 in the third quarter to take a 43-37 advantage into the final ten minutes of play.

Wesleyan opened the fourth with back-to-back steals that resulted in a Shekinah Huggins three-pointer and KeChae Parker lay-up to get the Bishops to within one, 43-42. Ferrum, however, answered by scoring five of the next six points to go back up five, 48-43, at the 5:58 mark.

The Bishops stayed close over the next four minutes, leaving the Panthers clinging to a 53-49 lead with 1:32 to go. Wesleyan proceeded to close out the game with a 9-0 run sparked by back-to-back Fitzgerald treys that gave NCWC its first lead since the second quarter.

Wesleyan's stifling defense was a key factor in the Bishops' out-scoring the Panthers 21-10 in the fourth quarter. Ferrum's final four possessions featured a pair of missed shots and two turnovers that resulted in Bishop points.

Fitzgerald finished the day with six three-pointers to her credits, and she was joined in double-figures by Parker with 14 points and six rebounds. The Panthers held NCWC leading scorer Kenyata Harris scoreless on the day, but the junior managed six steals to pace a Bishop defensive effort that forced FC into 28 turnovers.

Zarkia Mattox led Ferrum with a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards. 

Next up for the Bishops are home contests with USA South foes Maryville and Covenant next Friday and Saturday in Everett Gym. Friday's game is slated for a 5:30pm tip-off, followed by a 2:00pm tip on Saturday.