RALEIGH, N.C. – The Meredith College basketball team delivered a memorable Senior Day performance Saturday afternoon, earning a hard-fought 51-46 USA South Conference victory over Methodist University at home. Fueled by emotion and a dominant fourth-quarter surge, the Avenging Angels closed strong in front of an energized crowd.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Meredith used a dominant fourth quarter to secure the 51-46 win over USA South rival Methodist. After trailing 34-27 heading into the final period, the Avenging Angels erupted for 24 fourth-quarter points to outscore the Monarchs 24-12 and pull away late. The contest featured four ties and three lead changes, with Methodist holding a narrow 41-37 edge on the boards. Quarter scores were 12-8, 6-16, 9-10, and 24-12.
The Angels capitalized at the free throw line, shooting an impressive 21-of-28 (75%), a key factor in the five-point conference victory. The gym carried tremendous energy throughout the afternoon as the team celebrated Emme Baber's senior day.
Head Coach Megan Rahn credited the team's start and emotion for the win. "We won that game because of the energy we brought from the opening tip. The team came out with great intensity and focus. With it being Emme Baber's senior day, it meant a lot to them, and they truly played their hearts out for her."
KEY PERFORMANCES
• Skyler Setzer led Meredith with 15 points, going 7-of-8 from the free throw line while adding five rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes. She was instrumental down the stretch, scoring in transition and converting key free throws in the final minutes.
• Emma Roche delivered an efficient performance off the bench with 10 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 from the line. She also grabbed seven rebounds in 26 minutes.
• Emme Baber contributed 10 points and five rebounds on her senior day, going 6-of-10 from the free throw line.
• Leanna Nohs chipped in nine points and five rebounds, along with two steals.
• Molly Zuburg paced the team with seven rebounds and impacted the defensive end with a team-high five steals and four assists while adding three points.
FINAL NOTES
Meredith improves to 4-18 overall and 2-13 in USA South Conference play with the victory, while Methodist falls to 8-15 overall and 7-9 in conference action. Meredith's fourth-quarter surge and efficiency at the free throw line proved decisive in securing the Senior Day conference win. The Avenging Angels now enter the final week of USA South regular season play with three games remaining on the schedule.
