WINCHESTER, Va. - Visiting Ferrum College strengthened its hold on second place in the USA South with a 71-58 women's basketball victory over host Shenandoah Thursday evening.

Holding on to a slim, 56-54, lead following a Mandy Johnston layup in the paint, Ferrum (16-5, 10-4 USA South) reeled off the next 13 points of the contest to effectively seal the deal against SU (12-8, 8-6).

The Panthers had led virtually throughout the contest, but needed the big run as Shenandoah cut it to the two-point deficit with an 8-0 run of its own.

This would be as close as the Hornets would come the rest of the way.

Ferrum hit three consecutive 3-pointers during this run, including two from Ashley Norton.

The 3-pointers were three of seven that FC had on the night.

In addition to converting the seven shots from behind the arc, the Panthers also scored 21 points of Shenandoah's 24 turnovers. Over half this production, 13 points, came in the opening 20 minutes as Ferrum took a 32-27 lead at the break.

A 6-0 FC run to start the second half gave the visitors its first double-digit lead, and this advantage remained at least five points until SU cut it to that two-point deficit with 6:32 remaining.

Stephanie Holton and Sierra Edwards each had 15 points for Shenandoah. Kristen Keith paced Ferrum with a game-high 18.

SU hosts Averett on Saturday in its final home game of the regular season.

###