SALEM, West Virginia - With the record low numbers on the thermometers across the Mountain State, the Salem Tigers women's basketball team shook off the frost ahead of the first of three straight home games on Wednesday night. The Wheeling Cardinals made their way down from the Northern Panhandle to the Valley of Learning to face the Tigers, and a tough start for Salem resulted in a 74-47 win for the Cardinals. 

Seemingly affected by the subzero temperatures outside, the Tigers had a tough time getting the offensive attack going. They finally found some footing late in the first quarter with a pair of baskets from Taja Stephens, but the Cardinals held a 18-8 advantage after the first.

In the second, Salem focused on the inside game with another pair of baskets from Liliani Krause. Despite making some strides, Wheeling maintained a 48-17 leading going into the halftime break.

After the intermission, Salem needed to get some big contributions in order to claw their way back into the game. They got some valiant efforts from Carmen Vasquez and Kasaya Krause, but again a hot shooting Cardinal squad controlled a 66-31 contest after three periods. 

In the final frame, the Tigers pushed ahead and started to whittle away at the Cardinal lead. Cassandra Smith put in some productive work down the stretch, but it was a day late and a dollar short for the Tigers. Wheeling ended up with a 74-47 win despite the Tigers' efforts. 

Statistically, the only Tiger scoring in double figures was Liliani Krause with 17 points. Carmen Vasquez also put in some solid work on the boards with 12 rebounds. 

Despite the loss, Salem still has a couple of chances to get back on the right track on their home floor. That next opportunity will be on January 25th at 2 PM when the Tigers host the Point Park Pioneers in T. Edward Davis Gymnasium.