By Horace Billings

Salisbury Post

Catawba’s women’s basketball team has a new streak going.

Catawba did not play at the high offensive level it showed in an earlier eight-game winning streak, but it used tight defense to register a 51-41 win over Lenoir-Rhyne in Wednesday night’s SAC opener at Goodman Gym.

Catawba (10-2) won its second straight game. Lenoir-Rhyne fell to 6-5.

“We did not shoot well,” Catawba coach Angie Morton said.

Catawba made only 29 percent of its field goal attempts (17-for-58) and its scoring output was its lowest of the season.

“We missed a lot of easy shots,” Morton added. “But we did what it took to win, and I am happy for the team.

“It was our first start after going to Hawaii, and we didn’t play as well as we can. We can do better.”

Lenoir-Rhyne also had a tough shooting night, making 26.8 percent from the floor. The Bears were held to seven field goals in the first half.

Catawba was not much better. The Indians shot 9-for-31 in the first half and led 24-19 at halftime.

Ne’Keithia Howard sparked Catawba in the first half.

Catawba went on a 10-4 roll at the start of the second half to take a 34-23 lead.

Lenoir-Rhyne charged back to cut the deficit to 36-34 with 8:40 remaining. but another Catawba spurt clinched the win.

Howard paved the way for Catawba with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the floor and 4-for-5 at the foul line.

Denise Moore led Lenoir-Rhyne with 10 points.

The Indians return to action Saturday at home against Brevard.

LENOIR-RHYNE (41) — Moore 10, Holt 7, Helton 6, Kremer 5, Safrit 5, Webster 3, Casey 2, Williams 2, Wilson 1.

CATAWBA (51) — Howard 18, Hampton 6, Higgins 6, Muldrow 6, Bartlett 4, Foster 3, Colombo 2, Clark 2, Baxter 2, LoSauro 1, Easter, Tackett.

Lenoir-Rhyne 19 22 — 41

Catawba 24 27 — 51