WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- It only took one try in 2011 for the Lady Scots to come up with a win, and the team did so by holding onto a late lead on the road at Salem College (2-6, 1-2 GSAC) Thursday night.  Covenant, who defeated the host Spirits by a score of 65-57, improves to 1-6 on the season.  Kiaira Cooper (15), Jessie Blankenship (13), and Ruth Gibson (10) all tallied double figures, and Hannah Craft's 10 rebounds were sure to have played their part in the big win.

During the bulk of the opening half, the lead changed, players made baskets that tied the game up, and momentum swung between the two teams, but Cooper's mid-range jumper with just under 6 minutes left gave the Lady Scots a 9 point lead, the largest of the half by either side.  The lead went up to as many as 11 before the break, but thanks to a late 3-pointer from Spirit guard LaSashia Connelly, Salem managed to cut their deficit to 8 (31-23) as the teams headed to the locker room.

The Lady Scots held the lead throughout the entire second half, never allowing it to drop below 6.  Made free throws and rebounding told the tale as Salem fell at home for the first time this season.  Covenant cashed in 15 of its 24 free throws and out-rebounded the Spirits 17-10 in the second half.  In fact, Salem earned no second chance opportunities in the second half (and only 4 all game) as the Lady Scots grabbed every single missed shot on the defensive end.

Freshman post Jessie Blankenship recorded another double-double, adding 11 rebounds to her 13 points.  Kiaira Cooper, who matched her career high of 15 points, swiped 4 steals and handed out 3 assists without committing any turnovers.

The two high point scorers came from the home team: Kelsey Rector scored 21 alongside Connelly's 16.  Connelly went 4-5 from behind the arc.

The Lady Scots continue their road trip Friday evening when they take on the Wesleyan College Pioneers, also from the Great South.  Opening tip is scheduled for 6:00pm.