Women's Basketball | 2/22/2009 12:09:16 AM

WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah held on for a 70-65 victory over the Methodist women's basketball team to clinch the fourth seed at the conclusion of the regular season.

Methodist senior Zan Messer put the Monarchs ahead 5-2 on a 3-pointer early in the game, but Shenandoah took over with 16:56 to go in the half and led for the remainder of the game. The Hornets led by seven with less than three minutes remaining before senior Amanda Underwood knocked down a 3-pointer and senior Dezzire Gilliard hit two free throws to cut the lead to two at halftime.

Shenandoah led by as many as 12 points in the second half before Methodist chipped away in the closing minutes. The Hornets were ahead by two when Messer was fouled with 16 seconds on the clock.  She hit the second to move within one, but Methodist fouled to get the ball back and Shenandoah finished 4-for-6 to take the 70-65 win.

Gilliard led the team with 13 points while sophomore Dawn Sanderson had 11 points with 15 rebounds.

The Monarchs will travel to Ferrum on Tuesday for a first round match-up.

Box Score

Tournament Seeding