WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Bridgewater College women's basketball team returned from the holiday break with a 81-64 win over Salem to move to 5-4 on the year.

The Basics

• Final Score: Bridgewater 81, Salem 64
• Records: Bridgewater (5-4, 2-1 ODAC), Salem (1-9, 0-4 USA South)

How It Happened

• The Eagles stormed out to an early 32-13 first quarter advantage with the team racking up eight total assists and eight total steals in the first frame alone
• Both teams hit an offensive slump in the second quarter. The Eagles scoring nine points compared to the Spirits seven to enter the half up 41-20
• Despite Salem outscoring Bridgewater in the third, the Eagles strong first quarter proved to be key as they were able to lead the Spirits 63-46 at the end of the third. Julia Williams dished out three of her four assists in the frame 
• Rookie Noelle Horton successfully completed an and one opportunity in the fourth quarter as the Spirits never came within 14 points of the Eagles. Mary Ruth Shifflett was a perfect six-for-six from the charity stripe in the fourth as the Eagles came away with the victory 

Match Notes

• Erika Nettles paced Bridgewater with 16 points, five rebounds, and two steals. The senior has scored in the double figures every game this season and ranks fifth in the ODAC in field goal percentage (53.1%)
• Jaden Alsberry had another productive evening, contributing ten points and 11 rebounds for a double-double while adding four blocks, three steals and two assists
• Shifflett scored 11 points to go with five assists while Horton added nine points 
• The Eagles controlled the boards on the both ends of the court as six players had at least five rebounds including Melanie Pick with eight and Diamond Huskey with seven
• Bridgewater capitlized off of 25 Salem turnovers creating 26 points from the opportunities

Up Next

• The team will have a short recovery as they return to action tomorrow, December 30, to face Pfeiffer on the road. Action is set for 1:00 p.m.