Rocky Mount, N.C. - The Battling Bishop women's basketball team split a pair of USA South contests at home this weekend, downing Meredith on Saturday, 74-61, then falling to Averett on Sunday, 70-65. Senior Alexis Fitzgerald averaged nearly 18 points and four assists per contest over the two-game span, knocking down six three-pointers in Saturday's victory over the Angels.
Versus Meredith, the Bishops held a slim 17-14 advantage after one quarter of play but out-scored MC 19-9 in the second frame to go up 13 at the break, 36-23. The Angels matched the Bishops point-for-point in the second half, though Wesleyan was able to hold on thanks to a 5-for-7 showing from downtown by Fitzgerald, who netted 20 of her game-high 23 points in the third and fourth quarters alone.
She was joined in double-figures by junior KeChae Parker and sophomore Nadiya Holley, who each had 12 points on the day. Parker completed the double-double with 10 rebounds.
Meredith (2-15, 2-6 USA South) was led by Jessi Hayes' 17 points and nine boards.
Sunday's game versus Averett featured eight ties and 13 lead changes. A late second quarter run by the Bishops allowed them to take a 34-28 lead into the half, and they would later find themselves clinging to a 51-48 advantage entering the final ten minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Cougars (13-7, 6-3 USA South) were able to convert 16 points at the free throw line in the fourth quarter to pull away for the 5-point victory.
The charity stripe proved to the difference in the game. While AU was cashing in on their opportunities, the Bishops went just 14-for-29 at the line on the day. Parker finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, while senior Timyra Staton and Fitzgerald added 15 and 12 points, respectively.
A trio of Cougars netted 13 points in the contest, led by Amani Ajayi who also grabbed nine boards.
Next up for the Bishops (8-11, 3-5 USA South) is a road trip to Fayetteville, N.C. on Wednesday to take on league rival Methodist University. Tip-off with the Monarchs is slated for 7:30pm.