WINSTON SALEM, NC -- The WPU women's basketball team fell to the Spirits of Salem College on Saturday afternoon, 98-62.

The first quarter of play got off to a rapid start for the Spirits as they brought in an impressive 34 points to the Pacers 14. After a three-pointer from DeJah Cheatham to kick off the game, the Spirits went on an 18-0 run to go up on the Pacers, 18-3 with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Spirits capitalized on many opportunities as the Pacers had six of their 19 turnovers in the first quarter alone. Salem finished the first quarter with 19 points off turnovers. The gap in point margin created in the first quarter proved effective throughout the second quarter in the Pacers limited the Spirits to just 15 points to their own 13, heading into halftime trailing the Spirits 29-49.

As the second half got underway, the Pacers were unable to close the gap to come back in the game. Salem's MiKayla Sievers and Sabrina Shepherd notched 21 points a piece for the Spirits, while Seivers also pulled down 10 rebounds. Mikayla Ray led the way for the Pacers pulling down 13 rebounds to go along with 24 points. Jayde Grant also earned a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

THE BREAKDOWN:

• The Pacers shot 22-66 from the field.
• Mikayla Ray notched her 13th double-double on the season with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
• DeJah Cheatham contributed 10 points on the game shooting 3-6 from behind the arc.

FOR THE FOES:

• Salem had five players score in double-figures.
• Dominique Cross came off the bench to score 12.
• Salem scored 46 points in the paint.

The William Peace University women's basketball team is back in action Sunday, January 4 at Pfeiffer University. Pfeiffer goes into the match-up with an overall record of (15-3). Tune in for the 1:00 p.m. tip-off with live stats and live video.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: gopeacepacers.com , Facebook , or follow the Pacers on Instagram and Twitter at @gopeacepacers.