Fayetteville, NC-The Salem College basketball team was picked sixth in the USA South West Division, while Methodist was picked third in the East Division. Methodist swept Salem last year in two games by double-digits in both games, so going into the season opener the Monarchs were clear favorites playing at home. The Spirits went to Methodist and easily upset them by double digits, 63-52, to open their season at 1-0. 

Salem jumped out to a 20-16 lead in their highest scoring quarter. They extended their lead to 33-23 at the half. The Monarchs were able to close the lead to 7 points after three quarters, before the Spirits closed the door during the last quarter on any comeback hopes. 

Sabrina Shepherd was hot all game long and finished with 29 points, which included 4 three-pointers. Mikayla Seivers and newcomer Dominique Cross each had double-doubles of 14 points and 10 rebounds for Salem. Seivers led the team with 7 assists, while Cross had 2 blocks.

Salem returns to the road this weekend to play Hollins and Roanoke in Virginia.