NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Southern Virginia 62, Piedmont 53
Records: Southern Virginia, 23-4; Piedmont, 21-6

BUENA VISTA, Va. - The Piedmont women's basketball team saw its tournament run end with a 62-53 semifinal loss to No. 1 seed and host Southern Virginia on Friday night in Buena Vista, Virginia.

The Knights used a furious second quarter run to grab control of the contest, holding the Lady Lions to just four points in the period.

Seniors KLAIRE VARNEY and LIVIA SKINNER were the only Lady Lions in double figures as Varney led the team with 18 points while Skinner added 15 in the loss.

Piedmont's pressure defense helped its offense in the opening 10 minutes. The Lady Lions used an 11-4 run midway through the period to take a 15-10 lead at the 2:55 mark. Varney led the Lady Lions with 11 points in the first quarter and Piedmont took a 19-17 advantage into the second period.

Unfortunately, SVU responded immediately, holding Piedmont to just four points in the second quarter. The Lady Lions committed 16 turnovers in the first half and allowed the Knights 15 free throw attempts, as they converted on 10.

Coming out of halftime, the Knights pushed their lead to 19 before the Lady Lions rallied back with a 14-5 quarter-ending run to cut their deficit to 50-39 heading to the final 10 minutes.

The Lady Lions never went away in the final quarter, but were unable to claw back within reach, as Southern Virginia iced the game away.

TURNING POINT:
- Southern Virginia took control in the second quarter, holding the Lady Lions to just four points in the period to build a double digit lead going to the break.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Varney led the way with 18 points and made a team-high 7-of-11 free throws.
- After being named USA South Player of the Year on Thursday, Skinner added 15 points and made all four of her free throws.
- SVU's Katie Garrish nearly recorded a triple double, with 14 points, 12 rebounds and nine blocks in the contest. Garrish was named USA South Defensive Player of the Year Thursday.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Lady Lions were held to just 25 percent shooting for the evening.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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