RALEIGH, N.C. - Meredith opened USA South Conference play with a thrilling but heartbreaking 56–55 loss to Mary Baldwin University on Friday night in Weatherspoon Gymnasium. The Avenging Angels held narrow leads through the first half and battled neck-and-neck with the Fighting Squirrels until the final seconds. Tied at 55–55 with under a minute to play, a late Mary Baldwin basket at the 0:26 mark proved to be the difference in a gritty, hard-fought matchup.

GAME SUMMARY

Meredith opened the night with strong energy, taking the first two quarters 15–14 and 15–12 to build a 30–26 halftime lead. Mary Baldwin responded with momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Avenging Angels 18–7 to swing the advantage. Meredith answered with a determined fourth-quarter surge, winning the period 18–12 and tying the game at 55–55 in the final minute. With 26 seconds remaining, Mary Baldwin connected on a late basket that ultimately decided the tightly contested matchup.

KEY PERFORMANCES

• Leanna Nohs: Led Meredith with 19 points, providing steady scoring and key baskets throughout the night while adding 3 rebounds.
• Emma Roche: Posted 14 points and nearly recorded a double-double with 9 rebounds, contributing strong defensive play and energy on the boards.
• Jaymie Bevins: Controlled the paint with a team-high 13 rebounds, helping limit second-chance points and anchoring Meredith's interior defense.

FINAL NOTES

Despite the narrow defeat, Meredith showed resilience and determination throughout the contest, battling possession by possession and demonstrating strong defensive effort and composure under pressure.

UP NEXT

The Avenging Angels are back in action Saturday at 2:00 p.m., hosting Southern Virginia University in their second USA South Conference matchup of the weekend. Meredith looks to bounce back quickly and defend home court.