Posted: Feb 24, 2011
The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team dropped a 54-53 decision to visiting Wesley College in the Capital Athletic Conference semifinals on Thursday night at Goolrick Gymnasium. The Eagles, who see their 14-game win streak snapped, must now await a possible at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
After a deadlocked first half, the Eagles built an eight-point lead at 45-37 with 9:45 to play, thanks to a three point play from freshman Aby Diop (Springfield, Va., Annandale). Down the stretch, Wesley erased the lead thanks mainly to three three-point baskets from Allison Beddia, including one with 1:07 left to give the Wolverines the lead at 52-51.
After a miss, Eagle center Carol Dye (Springfield, Va., Lake Braddock) made a pair of free throws with 38 seconds left to give UMW the lead back at 53-52. Angie Owens made a layup with 13 seconds left to give the Wolverines the lead, and the Eagles' final jumper fell short at the buzzer.
Mary Washington was led by Katie Wimmer (Vienna, Va., James Madison), who had 17 points and eight rebounds. Sam Partonen (Burke, Va., Robinson) had eight points, six assists, and four rebounds, and senior Kate Carlezon (Scituate, Mass., Scituate) had eight rebounds for UMW. Diop added seven points and six rebounds. Wesley was led by Owens' 18 points and Beddia's 15.
Wesley will advance to the CAC Championship on Saturday afternoon.