DEMOREST, Ga. -- The Covenant women's basketball team dropped their second game in as many days to Piedmont, 73-45. Though the Scots battled hard in their second game of USA South play, it was the hot hands of the Lions that proved to be too much. 

Destiny Mergilles led Covenant with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Cosette Kirsch posted 12 points, and Mary Elaine Mitchell added eight points, including two 3-pointers.

Similar to the previous match up, the first quarter was a tight one. Covenant opened up with a quick 4-0 run, which was just as quickly tied by a steal and layup by Karla Cantrell at the 8:11 mark.

A Kirsch 3-pointer would put the Scots up by three a minute later, and her second shot from downtown would tie the game 10-10 at the 2:45 mark. A few possessions later, Mitchell would sink another shot from behind the arc to push Covenant ahead 13-10. 

It was the second quarter, however, where the No. 1 seeded Lions would put on the pressure.

Entering the period with a tied score of 15-15, Piedmont went on to outscore the Scots 20-7. Covenant struggled to score, only putting up three points during the first eight minutes of the quarter. During the 10 minute span, the Lions shot 42.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point land. 

The Scots were not to go down without a fight, though.

Trailing by 13 going into the third quarter, Mergilles began to put on a show, scoring a quick five points in the first three minutes. Though the Lions continued to shoot well, Covenant battled back within 10 points off a jumper by Kirsch at the 7:41 mark. Piedmont would only outscore the Scots by three points during the quarter.

However, it was all Piedmont from there. Covenant struggled to score again in the fourth quarter, only putting up seven total points. The Lions ended the game on a 10-3 scoring run, shooting at 45 percent overall. 

Piedmont had four players in double figures. Lu Woolfolk had 13 points and Livia Skinner added 12. Nakiyah Washington and Hope Franklin both had 11 points. Covenant drops to 0-2 in conference play, while Piedmont improves to 2-0.

UP NEXT

Covenant will play Thursday, January 21, against LaGrange in LaGrange, Georgia. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm EST.

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