Box Score Due West, S.C. – The Erskine Flying Fleet stumbled in their first attempt to clinch a spot in the conference tournament as the Lees-McRae Bobcats edged the Erskine Flying Fleet 73 to 69 this afternoon in Conference Carolinas women's basketball action at Belk Arena.

Erskine survived LMC's Lauren Lewis' scoring barrage in the first half to trail only by two at halftime, 37 to 35.  Lewis could not miss in opening period, making her first eight shots, including two three-point baskets.  She finished the half with 20 points, going 8 for 9 from the field.  At one point, Lewis had the Bobcats up by nine points on the Flying Fleet.

Erskine stormed out of the gate to start the second period with an 8-0 run.  Freshman Raygon Hendrix (Summerville, SC, Pinewood Preparatory School) opened the run with a 3-point shot and fellow freshmanKristin Giles (Union, SC, Union County High School) ended it by converting an old-fashion three-point play.

The Bobcats countered with a 14-0 run as the Flying Fleet suddenly fell out of sync offensively, misfiring on three shots and committing two unforced turnovers.  Trailing again by nine, the Flying Fleet slowly grinded their way back into the game and pulled to within one with just under three minutes remaining. That would be as close as the Fleet would get as Lees-McRae hung on to win 73 to 69.

Hendrix led the Fleet on the day scoring 21 points.  Giles contributed 16 points while junior Tara Potter (Charlotte, NC, Bandys High School) had 11 points.  Freshman Naomi Stuger (Marietta, GA, Kell High School) and junior Haleigh Spaulding (Ocala, FL, Vanguard High School) shared team-high rebounding honors with 7 each.

Lewis finished the contest with a game-high 28 points for the Bobcats while Icey Patterson came off the bench to contribute 18 points.

Erskine hosts Pfeiffer this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.  A win on Wednesday will clinch a spot in the conference tournament for the Flying Fleet.