Suffocating Defense Carries Wesleyan to GSAC Victory

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Wesleyan College put on a defensive clinic on their way to defeating Great South Athletic Conference rival Salem College 47-32.

The Pioneers (1-8, 1-7 GSAC) limited the Spirits to just 14% shooting from the floor while blocking 11 shots. The game marked Wesleyan's best defensive effort since throttling Agnes Scott 68-28 in the 2002-03 season. After Stephanie Hubbard drained a couple of free throws to open the game for Salem, Wesleyan answered with a 10-0 run and never trailed again.

"It was a great team effort," stated first-year head coach Mike Walton. "We played like we thought we could win which resulted in us being victorious. The girls shot it a little bit better and got into a good rhythm. It feels good to get the monkey of waiting on our first win off our backs."

All six Pioneers who played contributed in a significant way. Nivea Lewis scored a season-high 14 points off the bench while Lindsay Haggerty added 10. Bre Solmone personified the defensive effort with 11 rebounds, eight blocks and six steals. Eveginia Korum finished with nine points and nine rebounds and Erinn Williams and Sha'Vonda Jones each grabbed seven boards.

The win snapped a 15-game losing streak for the Pioneers and the team notched its first GSAC win since 2006-07.

Wesleyan makes a quick turn around and faces Salem once again on Saturday in Macon. Tip is scheduled for 2:00pm at Porter Gymnasium.