Women's Basketball | 1/3/2009 4:37:42 PM

STAUNTON, Va. - The Methodist women's basketball team traveled to Mary Baldwin College to open USA South Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon.  The Monarchs (6-2, 1-0) prevailed 88-78 over the Squirrels.

Both teams exchanged baskets early, but the Monarchs led by nine through the first five minutes of play.  Methodist built up their lead to 14 points on four different occasions with the Monarchs ahead 33-19 with 5:24 to go in the half.  Mary Baldwin (3-5, 1-2) came back and tied the game at 40 with less than a minute remaining, but Methodist freshman Jordan Tyson closed the half with a jumper for the Monarchs to hold a 42-40 lead at halftime.

The Squirrels took a brief one point lead early in the second half, but Methodist settled in and built up a 19 point advantage after two free throws from senior Dezzire Gilliard.  Mary Baldwin tried to make a late run, but the Monarchs finished with the 88-78 victory.

Methodist finished shooting 58.8 percent from the 3-point line with 10 3-pointers.  Senior Amanda Underwood was 5-for-6 behind the arc on the way to scoring 19 points.  Sophomore Adriana Wison led the team with 20 while Gilliard had her fourth double-double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds.  Junior Michaela Myers and senior Zan Messer also scored in double figures with 13 and 11 points respectively.

The Monarchs will host Greensboro College Jan. 13 at 5:30 pm.

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