Institute, W.Va. - The University of Charleston women's basketball team overcame a poor shooting night to start the 2014-15 campaign with an 11-point win over Clarion, 54-43, in the Mountain East-PSAC Conference Challenge hosted by West Virginia State University.

Charleston's offense was led by Nichole Perry's game-high 19 points and four assists and got a solid performance from Monet Saunders who finished with seven points and 13 rebounds, seven of those on the offensive end.  The Golden Eagles dialed in on the defensive end in the second half to limit Clarion to just 16 points on 6-for-21 shooting.

Tied at 37-37 midway through the second period, UC went on a 9-0 run that propelled the Golden Eagles to the victory.  Clarion never got within eight points over the final six and a half minutes as Charleston cruised to the double digit win.  Points off turnovers proved to be the deciding factor in the Charleston win, as they outscored Clarion 13-2 in that category.

Clarion's Hannah Heeter had eight points and a game-high 15 rebounds in the loss for the Golden Eagles. 

Charleston, 1-0, returns to the hardwood tomorrow in day two of the MEC/PSAC Conference Challenge to take on Seton Hill University who earlier in the evening defeated WV State University 68-65.  Game time from Institute is set for 3PM.