The schedule makers at the West Virginia Conference offices have not been kind to the Salem International women's team at the start of the second semester.
But Tigers aren't complaining about the tough road.
SIU (7-6, 4-2) has split its first four games.
The Tigers lost at West Virginia Wesleyan to start the second half. They followed with a win at Alderson-Broaddus, a tough overtime loss to Shepherd, the league's top team, at home and a home win over Glenville State -- one of the league's preseason favorites -- on Saturday.
In Saturday's 75-65 win, Twania Bennett scored 25 points, while Lashonda Tucker added 16 points and seven rebounds.
After Monday's game at Charleston, SIU plays host to West Liberty, the league's second-place team, and travels to Wheeling Jesuit, the league's third-place team, on Saturday.
Salem International is currently fifth with a rating of 74.0.
n TOUGH WEEK, PART II: The SIU men's team also has a tough week ahead.
After Monday night's contest with Charleston, the Tigers (12-1, 6-0) face the WVC's No. 3 team, West Liberty, at home and then travel to Wheeling Jesuit.
n TOP PERFORMANCE: According to WVC associate commissioner Will Prewitt, the Salem Intentional women's 3-point shooting performance against A-B last week is tops in any NCAA division this season.
The Tigers were 13 of 14 from 3-point range in the win over the Battlers. It was also a school record for 3-pointers made in a contest.
n BACK IN THE TOP 5: The Salem International men's team returned to the NABC/Division II Bulletin Weekley Top 25 poll's top five.
The Tigers (11-1) claimed three wins last week and are the top team in the WVC.
n PLAYERS OF WEEK: Charleston freshman Carl Edwards was named the WVC men's player of the week, while Ohio Valley's Elizabeth Lewis and Bluefield State's Cassie Miller earned the women's honor.
Edwards averaged 28 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games. He also had five steals and made 22 of 29 shots.
Lewis grabbed 50 rebounds for the Scots, who went 1-1 last week. She also averaged nine points.
Miller led Bluefield to three wins last week and averaged 21 points and seven rebounds.
Assistant sports editor Danny Carpenter can be reached at 626-1444 or by e-mail at dcarpenter@exponent-telegram.com.
