Returning to its home court, the Covenant women's basketball team faced another challenging opponent, the Piedmont Lions, who came in with only two conference losses. A strong first quarter for Piedmont set the tone for the rest of the game as they defeated the Scots 90-57.
Out of the gate, Piedmont made five of its first six shots to jump out to a 10-2 lead. A couple of triples from Breezy Savage and Ora Hall cut the lead to 12-8. An old-fashioned 3-point play from Abby Slaton put the Scots within three points at 14-11. In the final 4:21 of the quarter, the Lions went on a 22-2 run that put them up 36-13.
Two 3-pointers from the Scots, made by Savage and Amanda Neff put it within 17 points at 38-21 to begin the second quarter.
Later on four points from Cair Canady put the score at 40-25. Just as Covenant was itching closer, Piedmont went on a 13-3 run to move ahead 25 points. Ora Hall scored a basket while being fouled with 28 seconds left to cut the deficit to 53-31 at the break.
The Lions continued to pour it on in the second half as they scored 16 of the first 18 points of the quarter to extend their lead to 69-33. Covenant responded strongly, scoring the next 12 points, seven of which came from Savage. Piedmont buried two triples in the final two minutes to make it 77-46 going into the final frame.
The two teams exchanged baskets and defensive stops for the first five minutes, including a 3-pointer by Savage. Later on five straight points from Piedmont, all coming from the foul line pushed it ahead 89-55. Faith Wasden got on the scoresheet for the Scots late in the quarter for their final basket.
Covenant moves to 11-30 all-time against Piedmont. Savage led the Scots in scoring with 17 points with three made triples. Hall with 10 points and seven rebounds and Canady with 10 points and six rebounds also scored in double figures.
Covenant shot 27.3% (18-66) from the field and 30.8% (8-26) from the 3-point line while Piedmont was 50% (34-68) and 31.6% (6-19) in the same categories.
Piedmont won the rebound battle, 51-40. The Scots committed 28 turnovers while the Lions had 21.
Alexandria Willis for Piedmont led all scorers with 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting.
Covenant travels to Huntingdon on Saturday.