MISENHEIMER, N.C. -- The Meredith College basketball team's season opener at Pfeiffer University Tuesday evening ended in a 67-40 loss. Rookie Amy Rhoney led the way with her first career double-double on 17 points and 12 rebounds from the inside.

The Falcons are transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division III and will be a part of the USA South Athletic Conference beginning fall 2017.

Pfeiffer jumped out to an early lead tonight and held on throughout the first 10-minute period.

Meredith scored 14 points alongside the Falcons in the second quarter but just 13 points down the stretch to leave the Angels with a loss.

Offensive control will be key to this season's success for the Avenging Angels, who turned the ball over 34 times to just 13 by Pfeiffer, but 72 percent shooting from the free throw line will make a difference.

With just four returners on the floor, including one senior, the Angels will look for leadership and confidence from Rhoney and others in order to advance to the USA South Tournament for the fourth consecutive season.

Jessi Hayes finished with 10 points, eight boards, and Meghan Pleasants added four points, three rebounds.

Pfeiffer's Sydni Bickford tied Roney with 17 to lead the Falcon offense, and Ariana Tillman tallied six assists and as many steals.

Meredith heads to Emory, Va. next Monday to face off with the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Emory and Henry Wasps. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. in the King Center. Follow the action live HERE.