NEWBERRY – The Newberry Wolves (1-0) women’s basketball team pulled away from the Belmont Abbey Crusaders (0-1) in the second half en route to a 26-point win in a 69-43 final at Eleazer Arena on Friday afternoon.

The Wolves failed to get on the board until two Samara Hill free throws gave Newberry their first points at the 5:42 mark of the 1st quarter. Despite their 30.8 percent shooting from the field in the first half, Newberry held a six-point lead heading into halftime thanks to their defense holding the Crusaders to 25 percent from the field.

Morgan Midkiff lead the way for the Crusaders putting up 14 points in the contest, including 11 of the first 13 points for Belmont Abbey.

Newberry’s 57.1 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point land powered their second half as they continued to stretch the lead. Preseason first team all-conference player Meg Essex was a big factor in the second half for Newberry going five of six from the field, tallying 12 points and five rebounds in the half. The sophomore finished the game with 23 points and nine rebounds.

Sophomore guard Shelby Britten added 17 points for the Wolves on five of 11 shooting and three of six from deep. Junior guard Samara Hill chipped in 11 points for Newberry.

Belmont Abbey did not hit a three-point shot in the second half as the Wolves’ defense held the Crusaders to just 26.9 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.

Newberry will face the No. 7 ranked Limestone Saints on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Eleazer Arena. The Saints are coming off a 71-44 win over South Atlantic Conference opponent Coker on Friday afternoon. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.