(ASHLAND, Va.) – A matchup between the two top women's basketball teams in the ODAC was billed as advertised, but unfortunately Randolph-Macon came up just short in a defensive battle with Washington & Lee. The Yellow Jackets had an opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer, but a 3-point attempt hit the front end of the iron and bounced out off the backboard.

The Basics

Score: Randolph-Macon 49, Washington & Lee 52

Venue: Crenshaw Gymnasium

Records: Randolph-Macon 10-4, 8-1 ODAC; Washington & Lee 12-3, 9-0 ODAC

How It Happened

• Both teams battled it out through the first quarter. It appeared that R-MC would take the momentum with them into the second quarter after Juliana Park (Fr., Fairfax Station, Va. / Davidson Day) fired a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to one point, but the Generals answered with an and-one assisted 3-point play to close out the frame with an 18-14 lead.
• Shooting woes started to plague the Yellow Jackets in the second quarter and the Generals were able to take advantage and extend their lead. A 10-2 run midway through the frame helped the visitors take a 36-24 lead into the locker rooms at the break.
• The defense started to come up strong for the Lemon and Black in the third and made the Generals struggle for the remainder of the game. The Jackets held them to just one made field goal through the first nine minutes of the quarter. A 10-3 run also helped them climb back within five after a pair of Aimee DeBell (Sr., Studley, Va. / St. Gertrude) free throws.
• The comeback continued into the fourth. After a W&L layup put the Generals back up by 10, the Yellow Jackets answered with next eight points thanks to a pair of buckets by Cheridan Hatfield (Sr., Fishersville, Va. / Wilson Memorial) and one each from Park and Becca Anthony (Sr., Amelia, Va. / Amelia) to make the score 49-47.
• After a W&L triple and a pair of Catherine Kagey (So., Roanoke, Va. / Faith Christian) free throws, R-MC had one last chance after grabbing the rebound. The Jackets had multiple looks in the final seconds, but a pair of shots were just off the mark.

Inside The Numbers

• Three Jackets reached double-figures with DeBell leading the way with 12 points. Park finished with 11 and had three 3-pointers. Kagey added 10 points and led the team with nine rebounds.
• DeBell and Hatfield were also strong on the glass as both pulled down seven caroms.
• The Yellow Jackets took care of the ball the best they have all season with just seven turnovers, three fewer than their previous best of 10 at Guilford.
• After shooting 41.9% in the first half, the Jackets limited the Generals to just 21.4% in the second, including an 18.8% mark in the third quarter.
• Hanna Malik led the Generals with a game-best 16 points. Current ODAC Player of the Week and W&L's top scorer Megan Horn was limited to three points.

Up Next

The Yellow Jackets will look to get back in the win column with a trip to Ferrum on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m.