Box Score

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Covenant faced Welch in their second game of the season at the Barnes P.E. Center. Despite a strong effort, the Scots were unable to slow down the Flames high-powered offense and ultimately suffered their second loss of the year.

Final: Covenant 80, Welch 88
Records: Covenant (0-2), Welch (1-0)

For the second consecutive game, the Scots opened strong, surging to a 13-4 lead capped by a block from Chloe Bertrand that set up a three-pointer by Violet Wright. After calling a timeout down nine, Welch responded with sharper execution, stringing together a 14-4 run to claim their first lead of the game at 18-17. By the end of the first quarter, the teams remained deadlocked at 22-22.

To open the second quarter, Covenant received key baskets from Bertrand and Emma Kaye Fuller to stay even at 30-30. However, the Flames quickly seized momentum, responding with a decisive 15-0 run to take control of the half. Welch carried a 47-34 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

Covenant began to chip away at the Welch lead in the third quarter, sparked by Jada Sanders, who came off the bench to score six of the Scots first 12 points and narrow the deficit to 52-44. Welch briefly pushed the margin back to 12 in the final minute of the period, but a layup from Violet Wright followed by a three-pointer from Amanda Neff trimmed the gap to 66-59 heading into the fourth quarter.

Covenant had chances to further cut into the lead as they trailed 75-68 with three minutes to play but were plagued with untimely turnovers and unable to draw any closer. Welch stayed rock solid from the free throw line to help ice an 88-80 victory.

The Scots were led by Bertrand, who posted 22 points along with four assists and four rebounds. Wright also delivered a strong performance, contributing 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting and adding six rebounds. Covenant received additional support from Ora Hall, who finished with 11 points and three rebounds, and Fuller, who recorded seven points and nine boards.

The rebounding battle was nearly even, with Welch holding a narrow 40-39 edge on the boards. The Flames also had the advantage in shooting efficiency, converting 49% (29-59) from the field and 31% (7-22) from beyond the arc. Covenant finished at 40% (30-75) from the floor and 19% (5-27) from three. Turnovers were similarly close, with Welch committing 18 and the Scots recording 17.

UP NEXT: Covenant will travel to Pensacola, Florida to take on Southeastern Baptist College on Friday at 5:00 in the Pensacola Christian Classic.

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