Bishops Open Season, Prepare to Host Annual Jean Edge Classic

2017-18 NCWC Women's Basketball Team
2017-18 NCWC Women's Basketball Team

Rock Hill, S.C. - The N.C. Wesleyan women's basketball team opened the 2017-18 season on Wednesday night at Division I Winthrop University, falling by a 94-50 score on the road. The Bishops scored the first four points of the game on buckets by freshman Javana Jones and junior Weslie Young, but the Eagles countered with a 30-6 run that spanned most of the opening period and provided a decisive lead that they would not relinquish. Junior Daijah Davis and freshman Kayla Johnson reached double-figures for the Bishops with 10 points apiece.

The Battling Bishops will now prepare to host their 5th Annual Jean Edge Classic over the weekend in Everett Gymnasium. The 2017 JEC will hold special meaning for N.C. Wesleyan as it marks the first tournament since the July passing of the Bishop legend. Known as the true matriarch of NCWC women's athletics, Coach Edge began the softball program in 1974 and also gained notoriety as the first-ever head coach for the women's basketball team during the 1976-1977 season. Additionally, her Bishop resume saw her serve as head volleyball coach from 1975 to 1977. Wesleyan's softball facility, Edge Field, is named in her honor, as well as Edge Auxiliary Gymnasium in the Taylor Center. In addition to her coaching duties, the 1999 NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee enjoyed being a member of the NCWC faculty as a Physical Education instructor.

Tournament sponsor Lloyd Nelson and his wife, Elliott, are once again honored to pay tribute to Coach Edge through this yearly event. Both Wesleyan graduates, the couple was recognized with the college's prestigious Family Award in 2016, while Mr. Nelson is also a member of the NCWC Athletics Hall of Fame. It is through the Nelsons' generosity that the Bishops are able to host this Classic each year, and the women's basketball program offers sincere thanks for their continuous support.

This season, Wesleyan will welcome Greensboro, Randolph, and Wesley to Everett Gym for the two-day event. Greensboro and Randolph tip things off on Saturday evening at 5:30pm, while the Bishops will follow with their home opener versus Wesley at 7:30pm. Sunday's action begins with the Pride and Wolverines facing off at 2:00pm, and Wesleyan wraps up play versus the Wildcats at 4:00pm. Live stats will be available for all four games, and an All-Classic team will be recognized at the conclusion of the tourney.