Women's Basketball | 11/20/2009 11:00:41 PM

ASHLAND, Va. - The Methodist women's basketball team out scored Bridgewater in the second half, but could not overcome the first half deficit, falling 56-51 to the Eagles at the Randolph-Macon Tip-Off Classic.

Bridgwater (1-0) kicked off their season with a 10-0 lead before Methodist junior Dawn Sanderson got the Monarchs on the board with a layup. Methodist (0-2) cut the lead to three before the Eagles went on another run, extending their lead to as many as 13 points. Methodist trailed 29-20 at halftime.

Methodist senior Dezzire Gilliard got the Monarchs started with the first basket of the second half before senior Michaela Myers hit back-to-back three-pointers to move the Monarchs within three points once again. The Eagles built their lead back to 11, scoring nearly half of their second half points from the free throw line.

Methodist freshman Jackie Lyles scored a layup and converted on the free throw with 23 seconds left in the game to move within five, but the Monarchs would not have another opportunity as Bridgewater finished with the 56-51 victory.

Myers led the Monarchs with 14 points while Gilliard had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Lyles added 10 points.

The Monarchs will be back in action tomorrow at 4 pm against the host, Randolph-Macon.

Box Score