Women's Basketball | 2/19/2010 8:06:45 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Monarchs used a five point first half lead to hold on for the 47-40 win over the Shenandoah University Hornets.

Methodist jumped out to the 20-10 lead midway through the first half after a 3-pointer from senior Michaela Myers. The Monarchs extended their lead to as many as 12 points before the Hornets began to work their way back into the game. Shenandoah finished the half on a 6-0 run to trail 25-20 at the break.

Methodist junior Dawn Sanderson opened up the second half on a layup and Myers followed up with another three to move ahead 30-22. The Hornets tied the game at 32 before taking a brief 35-34 lead with 10:50 remaining in the game. After a steal from freshman Jackie Lyles and a basket from senior Dezzire Gilliard the Monarchs went ahead 45-40 with 1:07 to play. Shenandoah was forced to foul and sent the Monarchs to the free throw line. The Monarchs held on for the 47-40 win.

With the win, the Monarchs secured a home game for the first round of the USA South Tournament on Tuesday. The regular season concludes on Saturday with the tournament seeding announced at the conclusion of the five remaining games.

Myers finished with 16 points and Lyles added 10 points. Gilliard led the team with eight rebounds.

Sierra Edwards paced the Hornets with 14 points.

The Monarchs will host Christopher Newport tomorrow at 4 p.m. in their final regular season game.

Box Score