FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Methodist held Covenant below 30.0 percent shooting and out rebounded the Scots, 53-31, in posting a 61-39 win in women's basketball action on Friday night at the March F. Riddle Center.
 
The Monarchs (1-8, 1-2 USA South) held the Scots (0-11, 0-3 USA South) to just 24.1 percent shooting (13-54) from the floor and boasted a huge edge on the glass, including a 21-9 edge on the offensive boards. Additionally MU forced the Scots into 21 turnovers in picked up its first win of the season.
 
After Liz Dougherty drilled a three pointer to pull CC within a point at 9-8 just over five minutes into the game, the Monarchs embarked on an 11-3 run to stretch their lead out to nine points (20-11) on a layup by Ayanna Pegues with 8:24 to play in the opening stanza.
 
Methodist extended its lead to13 points as Jalisia Campbell converted from inside for a 32-19 lead with 2:32 on the clock en route to a 34-23 lead at halftime.
 
In the second half, MU clamped down even further on defense. Covenant scored just 16 points over the final 20 minutes, making 5-of-27 field goal attempts. Covenant pulled within eight points early in the second half, before the Monarchs pulled away and held lead of 15 or more points the majority the period.
 
The Monarchs had five players score in double figures, led by 14 points apiece from Pegues and Campbell. Sydney Bryan, Jasmine Canady, and Alexis Wallace all had 10 points. Wallace (10 reb.) and Campbell (12 reb.) each completed double-doubles, and Pegues added six boards. Maria Jones had five boards to go with three steals.
 
Haley Soles hit 5-of-12 three-point attempts for a game-high 17 points to lead Covenant. Morgan Woodward added seven points, and Rachel Price chipped in five boards and five steals.
 
Methodist is back on the court on Wednesday when it hosts Meredith at 7:30 pm.