RALEIGH, NC – The William Peace University women's basketball team played one of their better games of the season Saturday afternoon, but Meredith College pulled away in the final three minutes to outlast the Pacers, 66-59.

Cassidy Clark had arguably the best game by any Pacer this season with 19 points on 9-of-15 (60%) shooting, eight rebounds and an assist.  Zhana Gooden hit four triples for a season high 14 points and a pair of rebounds. Alexis Armstrong added seven points, seven rebounds, an assist and two blocks. Tenae McKinzie scored four points, grabbed two rebounds and dished out eight assists. Tamara Murphy also chipped in with four points and eight rebounds.

WPU (6-17, 0-14 USAS) turned it over a season low five times compared to 13 turnovers for the Avenging Angels. Both teams shot just slightly better than 30% from the field, but it was at the free-throw line where the game was ultimately decided. Meredith went 25-of-30 (83.3%) from the stripe compared to a 9-of-13 (69.2%) outing the Pacers, who were whistled for 25 fouls compared to only 16 for the Avenging Angels.

"I thought we played well tonight. It was one of our better offensive games. We executed the way we're supposed to. They just beat us out on the boards, but they shot 30 free-throws to our 13 which hurt," said Head Coach Kelly Johnson. "We played hard the whole game, competed the whole game, so I was proud of their effort. You hate losing to your rival but that's what happens sometimes.

It was a back-and-forth affair that saw seven ties and seven lead changes during the contest. WPU trailed by three (56-53) with 3:09 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, as McKinzie found Armstrong under the basket. Meredith went on a 7-0 run over the next 2:25 though propelling them to victory. 

Jessi Hayes led the way for Meredith (7-14, 5-7 USAS). Hayes was a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line for 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Kim Hinton posted a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Gabi Jessup was also in double figures with 12 points, three boards and two assists. 

The WPU women's basketball team is back at the Hermann Athletic Center tomorrow for another 2:00 p.m.  game against the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin.

Video Coverage and Live Stats will be available for both contests. Patrick Johnson will be on the call for the Pacers Basketball Network.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.