Box Score Due West, S.C. – Playing arguably their best defensive game of the season yet, the young Flying Fleet came up short, losing 47 to 44 to the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College in Conference Carolinas women’s basketball action at Belk Arena.

The Fleet clamped down on the Crusaders limiting them to just 18 of 55 (29.5%) shooting on the day, including just 7 of 30 (23.3%) in the first period.  In addition, the Fleet did much better on the boards, with Belmont Abbey holding a one rebound advantage at 42-41.

Trailing by five with 1:43 remaining, sophomore Andrienne Bannerman (Watha, NC, Pender High School) sunk two free throws to trim the lead to three points.  Erskine got two defensive stops in the last minute but missed on both ensuing possessions to give the Crusaders the 47-44 victory.

Bannerman led the Fleet with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks.  Sophomore Tara Potter (Sherrills Ford, NC, Bandys High School) contributed 6 points while pulling down a career and game-high 13 rebounds.  Freshman Chandler Turner (Boiling Springs, SC, Boiling Springs High School) had 5 assists and 4 rebounds in first collegiate start.

For the Crusaders, Caitlyn Ranson was the only player to reach double-figures, scoring a game-high 16 points.  Morgan Midkiff had a team-high 9 rebounds while Candace Fox had five of the team’s 12 steals.

Erskine travels to Gaffney, South Carolina, on Wednesday to play the Saints of Limestone College.  Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.