Salem Basketball traveled to play their second of two games against Methodist, falling 69-42.

The Monarchs opened the scoring early in the contest, but were soon answered by Amy Pedroza who sank a three-pointer just 10 seconds later. The two squads stayed within a point of each other for the next few minutes, until Methodist went on an eight-point run. A jumper from Tyla Whitehead and a three from Triana Smallwood pulled momentum back in the Spirit's direction, heading into the quarter break down by only one score. 

Catherine Jordan Cano opened the second quarter off with a bang, snagging a steal and a fast break bucket to tie it at 12. Points in the paint from both Nicole Hester and Anayah Noell gave the Spirits a two-point lead, but the Monarchs had an answer. The remainder of the quarter brought lockdown defense and lots of offense from Methodist, scoring 16 unanswered points. Salem went into halftime looking to reset and find their offense again in the final 20 minutes.

Lauren Ringwood broke the scoring drought to open quarter three, forcing a turnover and taking it all the way to the tin. Ringwood scored again not long later, snagging an offensive rebound and scoring in the paint. Hester knocked down a jumper to bring the deficit within 10, but once again, the Monarchs regained momentum. Despite some solid opportunities for the Spirits, they entered the final frame down 21.

Salem found some offense again in the final frame, racking up their highest quarter point total of the matchup. Ringwood and Hester scored the Spirit's first nine points, followed by Pedroza, Noell, and Cristina Battistini. Salem closed out the contest on a high note, playing great defense in the final few minutes and a great and-one from Hester. Ultimately, the Monarchs outlasted the Spirits, defending their home court with a 69-42 final score. 

Lauren Ringwood and Nicole Hester both led in multiple stat categories tonight. Hester racked up 11 points. 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Ringwood secured 11 points and three steals. Amy Pedroza also led in assists with four. 

The Spirits will next be in action on Wednesday January 14th, where they travel to take on Brevard at 5:30pm.