RALEIGH, N.C. - Shenandoah University dug itself out of a big hole Sunday afternoon, but could not finish the job as Peace College took a 61-49 USA South Conference women's basketball victory.

The victory allows Peace (12-8, 6-4) to split the season series with the Hornets (6-13, 3-7). SU had won the opening game of the season between the two schools 57-51 on January 15.

The Pacers led the game 35-25 at the half but found themselves in a ballgame as Shenandoah tied the game at 39-39 by the 11:16 mark. From this point on, the two teams traded the lead twice times and were tied on two others before PC finally took the lead for good with 7:25 to play. With the score tied at 45-45, Lindy Cartwright gave the hosts a lead they would not relinquish with a pair of free throws at the 7:25 mark. Senior Tia Saunders, a returning All-USA South Conference first-teamer, scored the next four points to give the hosts a six-point advantage with 5:43 left.

Shenandoah would score four of the game's next five points to cut it 52-49 by the 2:33 mark, but Saunders ended the run 13 seconds later with a layup and the Hornets never got closer than five points the rest of the way.

Saunders led all scorers with 23 points while Cartwright had 12 for Peace. Junior Alicia Sanders led SU with 13 points while Joia Davisadded 12. Cassie Womack just missed a double-double with nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

Box Score/Play by Play 

SU plays its penultimate non-conference game of the season on Tuesday against Wilson College.