Women's Basketball | 1/12/2011 7:34:18 PM

DANVILLE, Va. - Methodist University and Averett University women's basketball teams battled out a close contest on Wednesday night before the Monarchs prevailed 63-57 for a crucial conference win.

Averett (7-6, 3-4) scored the first two baskets of the game, but Methodist (6-7, 4-2) responded with nine straight points to lead 9-4 with 13:24 to play in the first half. Kayla Thompson gave the Monarchs their largest lead of the game with two free throws and the 13-6 advantage. Averett tied the game at 17, 19 and 27 before leading 30-27 in the final minutes. Methodist's Iesha Hayes scored a jumper with 12 seconds on the clock to cut the lead to one at halftime.

The Cougars opened the second half with two free throws for the three point lead, but Methodist's Emily Huneycutt came back with a 3-pointer to tie the game at 32. The Monarchs would never trail again as they maintained the lead despite never leading by more than six until the final minute. Averett trimmed the lead to one on three different occasions, but Methodist always responded forcing 13 Cougar turnovers. Jackie Lyles scored the Monarchs' final basket of the game for a nine point lead and Averett came back with a 3-pointer, but finished trailing 63-57.

Lyles led Methodist with 15 points while Hayes, Huneycutt and Dawn Sanderson added 11 points apiece. Sanderson paced the team with seven rebounds.

Liz Martin paced the Cougars with 18 points.

The Monarchs will be back on the road this Saturday when they play at Mary Baldwin College at 2 p.m.

Box Score