Salisbury, Md.-- Sam Partonen nets eight points to lead the Eagles, but it wasn't enough as Salisbury downs UMW, 51-39 on Wednesday. The Eagles shot just 28% from the field for the game, to fall to 8-4, 2-3 CAC.

Mary Washington jumped out to a quick 5-4 lead, thanks in part to a Brienke Matthes three pointer at the 15:17 mark of the first half. 

The Sea Gulls took charge with a 6-0 run to take the lead back, capped by a Anna Hackett jumper to force an Eagle timeout. Neither team could find the basket in the middle part of the first half, going on four minute scoring drought that was broken by Salisbury's Melanie Mocniak to increase their lead to 12-5.

UMW would fight back, tying the game at 15 all after a couple of Erin Drumheller free throws with 5:35 remaining in the first half. The game was back and forth for the rest of the half, with Brianne Comden giving the Eagles a slim lead at the break on a lay up at the buzzer, 24-23.

After another Comden layup to give the Eagles a 26-23 lead right out of the locker room, Salisbury took the lead for good, exploding for a 15-2 run over a five minute span.

Salisbury took command of the game in the middle part of the second half. UMW cut the deficit to six after an Aby Diop layup at 8:58 remaining. The Sea Gulls took command of the game throughout the rest of the half, and go on to win 51-39.

Partonen led the Eagles with eight points, adding two rebounds, two steals and two assists. Comden chipped in six points and six boards, while Catie Geoghegan and Claire Haeuptle each added five points. UMW shot just 28% from the field (14-50) and 26.7% from beyond the arc. Salisbury had two players in double figures, led by Anna Hackett with 20 points.

The Eagles return to action on Saturday, January 11th. UMW travels to Delaware to take on CAC foe Wesley at 1:00 p.m.

Note: This is Salisbury's first win against the Eagles in 23 contests. UMW had won the previous 22 before Wednesday.