Salem Basketball traveled to Brevard to take on the Tornados, who ultimately prevailed 98-46.

The Tornados took an early six-point lead, a run that was broken by Catherine Jordan Cano with a well-timed three. After a few more Brevard buckets, Nicole Hester kept the deficit within a few after a solid take that earned two free throws. Jordan Cano and Amy Pedroza both hit jumpers as the clock was nearing the final few minutes. Lauren Ringwood hit the second three-pointer of the quarter, followed soon after by a free throw from Keniya Waring. A strong offensive start from the Tornados gave them a 31-13 lead heading into the second frame. 

Quarter two was the most competitive of the contest, starting out with two quick layups from the Spirits provided by Ringwood and Hester. A strong defensive stand on both sides created a nearly two minute scoring drought, broken by two sets of free throws. Two more points in the paint from Hester set off another sequence of solid defense, until the final five minutes where 20 points were scored between the two teams. Despite a solid half from the Spirits, scoring just three points less than Brevard, they still headed into halftime with a 21-point deficit. 

Salem opened the scoring in quarter three, a good drive to the hoop rewarded two free-throws to Cristina Battistini. Battistini snagged another two points just a few minutes later. Ringwood and Hester sank a bucket apiece before Brevard went on a 15 point run. This run wasn't broken until the final minute of the quarter, with Pedroza scoring two in the paint. 

Both squads found a few points early in the final frame, but then went over two minutes scoreless. The Tornados broke the streak, going on a seven point run. Waring and Ringwood both put up two more points before the conclusion of the contest, but ultimately Brevard had built too big of a lead. The Tornados defended their home court, finishing the contest with a score of 98-46. 

Tonight's stat leaders were Nicole Hester with 13 points and eight rebounds, Amy Pedroza with four assists, and Lauren Ringwood with one block. 

The Spirits will next be in action this Saturday, January 17th at 2pm where they host NC Wesleyan.