SALEM, Va. - The William Peace women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a 62-59 road victory over Roanoke College on Saturday afternoon. The Pacers start the season 1-0 behind a 22-point performance from Zikira Henderson.
Peace got off to a strong start, taking an 18-11 lead after the opening quarter behind eight points from Henderson, including a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Pacers continued to build their advantage in the second quarter, extending their lead to 12 before heading into halftime ahead 36-27.
Roanoke responded in the third quarter, holding Peace to just seven points while scoring 14 to cut the deficit to 43-41 entering the fourth. The Maroons carried that momentum into the final period, taking a 48-45 lead before the Pacers answered with a three-pointer from Alayna Randolph to tie the game.
Alyssa Monroe gave Peace the lead back with a three-pointer at the 5:31 mark, followed by another from Henderson to put the Pacers ahead 54-50. Monroe added two baskets down the stretch, while Henderson came up with a steal and fast-break layup in the final minute before knocking down two free throws to help secure the 62-59 victory.
Henderson finished with 22 points, seven steals and four assists, shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Zarah Gray added eight points and three steals, while Monroe contributed seven points off the bench. Ensley Perry and Zakoreya Davis each finished with six points.
As a team, Peace shot 50 percent from three-point range and recorded 17 steals, forcing 21 Roanoke turnovers.
The Pacers return to action Wednesday, November 11, when they travel to Newport News, Va., to face Newport News Apprentice School at 6:30 p.m.
