Battling Bishop women drop home opener to Chowan, 70-48

Rocky Mount, NC - Despite a team-high 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals by sophomore Gretchen Tobias (pictured), the Battling Bishop women's basketball squad of North Carolina Wesleyan dropped its 2008-09 home opener to Chowan University by a 70-48 score on Wednesday night in Everett Gymnasium.  The Hawks shot over 44 percent from the floor en route to their first win of the season, while the Bishops now enter the holiday break with a 1-3 overall record.

The two teams played even over the first 10 minutes of the contest. Chowan managed a slim 16-10 advantage with just over nine minutes remaining, but a three-pointer by junior Jessica Jones from the left side quickly pulled the Bishops to within three.

Unfortunately, the Hawks proceeded to put together a 13-0 run over the next three minutes to forge a 29-13 advantage.  Chowan went on to lead 32-17 at the break.

The Bishops would get no closer than 15 in the second half, and the Hawks led by as many as 28 midway through the period.  Wesleyan did mount a notable run late, which was sparked by back-to-back three-pointers by freshman Melony Walker.

Tobias was the only Bishop to reach double-figures. Freshman Meredith Mills tallied nine points and five boards, while Jones and dished out a team-high three assists.

For Chowan, Ransheda Jennings turned in 13 points and Brittany Nicholson 11. Acquanette Simmons fell one rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Wesleyan returns to action on January 3rd and 4th at the Juniata College Holiday Tournament.  The Bishops will face SUNY-Geneseo on Saturday, the 3rd, at 5:00 p.m.