Rocky Mount, N.C. - The NCWC women's basketball team returned to action on Monday night, dropping their first contest of 2017 by a 70-60 score at Virginia Wesleyan. Senior Timyra Staton paced the Bishops with 14 points and nine rebounds.

The difference in the contest came late the first quarter when the Marlins (6-4) put together a 12-0 run to close out the period and forge a 19-8 advantage. NCWC out-scored VWC 52-51 the rest of the way, but the Bishops were unable to erase the early deficit.

Junior KeChae Parker joined Staton in double-figures with 13 points, while senior Alexis Fitzgerald added eight. NiAsia Caldwell and Alexis Platt netted 19 points apiece for the Marlins.

Statistically, the Bishops dominated the glass 43-29 en route to 19 second-chance points. VWC countered by forcing 23 turnovers that resulted in 20 points of their own.

The Bishops (5-6) open up USA South play this weekend when they host Ferrum College on Saturday and Mary Baldwin University on Sunday. Both games are set for 2:00pm tip-offs in Everett Gym.