The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team topped Roanoke College 59-55 on Monday evening. The Eagles improve to 9-3 this season.
Roanoke got on the board first but UMW was quick to take the lead when Junior Maddie Shifflett made a three point jump shot. Junior Tory Martin then grabbed a defensive rebound and assisted Shifflett on her second three pointer of the game. The Eagles maintained the lead at 11-5 before calling a timeout. Following the timeout Junior Jordan Lee converted on a free throw then collected a steal to assist Shifflett bringing the score to 14-6. The Maroons brought the score to 17-16 after converting o free throws to close the gap to one going into the second quarter.
A pair of free throws to start the second quarter would give the Maroons the lead but it wouldn't last long as Freshman Natalie Brennan made a layup followed by a jump shot by Freshman Bri Harper to bring the score to 23-20. Lee would convert on two more free throws followed by missed opportunities by both teams. In the final seconds of the second quarter, Brennan grabbed a defensive rebound and then used a pair of free throws to go into halftime with a 31-26 lead.
Junior Emily Thompson got the Eagles on the board in the third quarter with a three pointer assisted by Martin. Shifflett would then connect on her third three pointer giving the Eagles a 7-point lead. After back and forth action by both teams, the Eagles maintained the lead going into the final quarter.
The start to the fourth quarter was quiet until Thompson made another three pointer. From there both team's defenses held strong until a foul on the Maroons allowed Harper to down two free throws. The Eagles maintained a strong defense in the final seconds to secure the victory.
Brennan scored 15 points and 6 defensive rebounds. Shifflett following with 14 points and went 3-3 on three point shots. Lee and Harper both added 3 assists.
Shifflett and Thompson were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Eagles will return to action on January 4th at Catholic University at 3:00pm.