SALEM, West Virginia - Fresh off their dramatic win over Frostburg State on Saturday, the Salem women's basketball team was set for a home rematch with the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats. Salem fell to the Bobcats earlier in the season on a desperation layup at the buzzer, but this time they were able to grind out a tough 62-57 victory 

In the first quarter, the game settled into a defensive gridlock. Neither team could find many scoring chances, and both defenses played well. Salem eventually found some scoring from an uncommon palace for them this season. Aina Maynou and Barbara Trehub both hit key shots in the interior to keep the game close towards the end of the quarter. However, the Bobcats maintained a 12-11 lead after one. 

For the second, the game remained extremely close as both teams traded single point leads for much of the quarter. Anna Machytkova and Kirsten Cross were able to find some point for the Tigers late in the period, and Salem went into the break with a slim 20-18 lead. 

After the break, it became clear that this game was going to go down to the final possession as neither team could take firm control of the game. Anete Bluma and Elena Pericic played well in this period, but Salem would only hold a 39-38 lead going into the final period. 

In the fourth quarter, the task for Salem was simple, although extremely tough. They needed to score enough to protect their slim advantage while keeping the Bobcats comeback bid at bay. Luckily, Pericic and Emerson Wells would both find their shooting strokes down the stretch, and Salem thwarted the West Virginia Wesleyan advances to come out on top by a score of 62-57. 

On the stats sheet, Salem was led by Elena Pericic who had a double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Anna Machytkova was also in double figures with 12 points for the Tigers. 

Head Coach Jessica Peatross' squad will not have time to rest on their laurels as they are scheduled for 2 more home contests this week. They take on the District of Columbia Firebirds on January 4th at 5:30 PM, and they play host to the Ohio Dominican Panthers on January 7th at 2 PM.