Salem Basketball battled conference foe Meredith College for their last matchup of 2025, ultimately falling 42-36.
The Spirits got out to a hot start in the first quarter, out-scoring the Angels 14-4. A tip-in layup from Catherine Jordan Cano opened up the scoring for Salem, followed soon after by three of the Angel's four points. The Spirits then set out on one of their strongest streaks of the season, scoring 12 unanswered points. Six of those 12 came from beyond the arc, with Amy Pedroza and Triana Smallwood knocking down threes to strengthen their lead. Nicole Hester and Anayah Noell also contributed to the strong offensive half, scoring four and two respectively.
Meredith made some solid adjustments between quarters, turning the tables on Salem and scoring 14 to the Spirit's five. Tyla Whitehead scored their first two points of the quarter, capitalizing on a strong defensive rebound from Hester and assisted by Pedroza. Noell closed out the half on a high note, drawing a foul to knock down a free throw, then scoring a fast-break layup. Despite the quarter being controlled by the Angels, the Spirits still entered halftime up 19-18.
Quarter three was the most competitive by far, ending with 12 points to 10, favoring Salem. Pedroza continued to add to her solid performance, knocking down a jumper just 15 seconds in. A layup from Whitehead put the Spirits up by six, but was soon answered by four straight from the Angels to make it a one-score game. Cristina Battistini put some points on the board, but Meredith hit another quick bucket. Smallwood scored her second three of the contest, pushing the Spirits over their game average for three-pointers made. Salem's final points of the quarter came from Lauren Ringwood, drawing a foul and making both free throws. Meredith had a solid final sequence, making a layup and two free throws to make it a three point game going into the fourth quarter.
The Angels hit their stride early in quarter four, scoring 12 straight to take a nine point lead just four minutes into the final frame. Smallwood was able to break the streak, drawing a foul and making one free throw. Pedroza's second three-pointer of the night plus a free throw brought the Spirits within four with 43 seconds left. The Angels were able to sink two more free throws and stave off Salem to win the matchup 42-36.
Tonight's statistical leaders were Amy Pedroza with nine points and four assists; Catherine Jordan Cano and Cristina Battistini with three steals; Tyla Whitehead with eight rebounds; and Nicole Hester with one block.
The Spirits will take a well-earned holiday break before coming back to campus on January 3rd where they take on Southern Virginia.
