LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- The Covenant women's basketball team earned a 37-32 victory over the visiting Vikings on night one of hosting Mountaintop Madness.

The Scots now sit at 2-0 to begin the 2021-22 season.

Covenant was led by Cosette Kirsch, who tallied 19 of the Scots' 37 total points. Mary Elaine Mitchell added eight points, including two 3-pointers. Destiny Mergilles recorded six points, five rebounds, and four blocks.

The Scots came out hot in the first quarter, scoring almost half of their total points (15) and taking an eight point lead on Berry. Kirsch scored 12 of the 15 points tallied in the period and hit two from downtown during the run.

Covenant also strung together a 10-2 run over about a three minute stretch during the first, to end the period up 15-7.

Though the second quarter contained less scoring from the Scots, they were able to gain their largest lead of the game (14) as they would go up 24-10 with 3:17 to play in the half. Covenant tallied a 9-1 run and held Berry to just seven points in the period once again. Mitchell would contribute five points during the scoring run, thanks to a 3-pointer and a jumper.

The Vikings were then able to cut the lead to 10 at the end of the second, ending the first half in a score of 24-14 in favor of Covenant.

The third quarter remained low-scoring for both teams, as Berry would score eight and the Scots would be held to just four points. Covenant still maintained the lead, though, and began the fourth period up, 28-22.

The Scots would struggle to record a field goal in the fourth quarter, but free throws from Mergilles during the first six minutes of play kept them alive. Berry would begin chipping away at the lead, cutting it to five with just over six minutes to play. But, a layup from Kirsch at the 4:49 mark would end the scoring drought and extend Covenant's lead back out to seven (34-27).

Soon after, a jumper from McKenna Lentych and a three by Sydney Blankenship brought the visiting Vikings within two (34-32) with 2:29 to play. But, Covenant's defense would hold strong for the remainder of the period, as Mergilles would make a crucial block with just over one minute left to play, and free throws from Kirsch would seal the Scots' 37-32 victory.

Berry was led by Blankenship, who had 15 points and six rebounds. Kennedy Moore grabbed 15 rebounds. The Vikings fall to 1-2.

UP NEXT

Covenant will play Greenville on Day Two of the Mountaintop Madness tomorrow, November 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m., after Brevard takes on Berry at 2 p.m. inside Barnes PE Center.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS