Due West – The Erskine College Flying Fleet defeated the Belmont Abbey Crusaders 79-70 tonight in Belk Arena. This win continues the hot streak for Russ Gregg's team in which they have won 8 games in a row and 10 of their last 11! This win moves the Fleet to 10-9 overall, and 9-4 in Conference Carolinas play
 
 
The Erskine ladies came out roaring in the first quarter. The Fleet played stifling defense and built a 24-13 lead after 10 minutes. The second quarter was mainly controlled by Belmont Abbey. The Crusaders chipped into the Erskine lead by scoring 24 points in the second quarter to Erskine's 16. Erskine's offense was balanced in the first half. Naomi Stuger scored 10 points, Myranda Parham scored 9, and Kristin Giles and Raygon Hendrix each pitched in 6. Meanwhile, the Crusaders were a one-woman show with Larisa Bishop scoring 16 points. Belmont Abbey had the advantage in shooting percentage going into the first half, but the Fleet still controlled the main stat… the scoreboard.
 
The second half was more of the same from Naomi Stuger and Kristin Giles. They scored 11 and 15 points respectively in the second half alone. Naomi Stuger recorded 6 rebounds in the second half to go along with her first half 4. The Fleet had trouble containing Larisa Bishop all night and she scored another 12 points in the second half to give her a total of 28. The Fleet improved on their first half shooting percentage, and held Belmont Abbey to 36.6% in the second half.
 
Erskine returns to action next Wednesday when they take on Emmanuel College in the friendly confines of Belk Arena. Game time is set for 5:30.
 
Notable Fleet Stats:
 
Naomi Stuger – 21 points, 10 rebounds
Kristin Giles – 21 points
Raygon Hendrix – 11 points, 7 rebounds
Myranda Parham – 14 points