Buena Vista, Va.—The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team defeated Southern Virginia 88-41 on Wednesday, behind a huge defensive effort. The Eagles had two in double figures, while holding the Knights to only two made baskets in the first half. UMW improves to 17-7, 9-6 CAC for the year.
Eagles start out the game on an 8-0 run over the first four minutes of the game, before allowing two Knight free throws. Aubrey Howland got the scoring started with two free throws, followed up by a Caitlin Ciniero jumper. UMW extended the lead to 15-4 following a Brie Matthes three pointer. Sarah Listenbee and Erin Drumheller added back to back jumpers to up the lead to 11.
A pair of Sam Partonen threes extended the lead to 26-4, before Brianna Comden continued the onslaught with a layup. Southern Virginia would hit two more free throws, but the Eagles got another three from Partonen and Aby Diop hit an and one to force a Southern Virginia timeout up 38-6 with 5:18 remaining.
The Eagles held the Knights without a field goal for the first 15 minutes of the half before Crystal Cleveland hit a jump shot and got fouled to cut the lead to 38-9. Sarah Listenbee answered right back with an and one of her own, followed by a Ciniero layup to increased the lead to 43-9.
UMW ended the half up 45-13. The Eagles and their 11th ranked scoring defense held Southern Virginia to only 2-20 shooting (10%) from the field. Partonen led UMW with 11 points on 4-7 (3-5 from three) shooting. Sarah Listenbee poured in seven points, while Brie Matthes and Aubrey Howland each scored six.
Mary Washington started the second half the way the first ended on an 8-2 run, led by six Diop points. A Partonen steal led to a three pointer, and Partonen followed that up with another steal and layup to give the Eagles a 58-18 advantage.
The Eagles took control in the second half to cruise to an 88-41 win on Wednesday. Sam Partonen led all scorers with 18 points, adding three assists and three steals. Fellow senior Aby Diop added 11 points and three rebounds. Claire Haeuptle and Brie Matthes each went 3-7 from three for nine points. Aubrey Howland had a big game, scoring eight points and collecting 11 caroms.
UMW returns to action this Saturday in the CAC regular season finale at Penn State-Harrisburg at 1:00 p.m.