Women's Basketball | 1/7/2010 9:00:32 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team led early, but a late rally came up short as the Peace College Pacers defeated the Monarchs 58-55.

Both teams exchanged the lead early in the first half before Methodist (6-5, 2-2) took the 27-21 lead with less than a minute in the half. Peace came back with a three-pointer before the break, but the Monarchs took the 27-24 lead into the lockerroom at halftime.

Peace came out and tied the game right away before building a 13 point advantage. Methodist junior Dawn Sanderson cut the lead to one on a free throw with 2:14 to go in the game, but Peace came back with free throws. The Monarchs had a final opportunity in the final seconds, but could not tie the game for Peace to take the 58-55 win.

Sanderson led the team with 17 points while senior Dezzire Gilliard added 11 points with nine rebounds.

Leanne Horne paced the team with 20 points.

The Monarchs will travel to Ferrum on Saturday for a 2 p.m. tip-off.

Box Score