The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team jumped out to a 33-30 halftime advantage, but fell in a 79-59 decision at Division I Navy on Thursday night in Annapolis, Md. The Eagles fall to 2-1 on the season.
The Eagles jumped out to the early lead, as frshman Taylor Barton opened the scoring, and UMW took a 5-2 lead on a Claire Haeuptle three pointer with 18:03 remaining in the first half. Navy assumed the lead at 6-5 with 15:02 left in the half, and trailed 14-7 four minutes later.
The Eagles responded with a 14-0 run, keyed by five points from Haeuptle, to take a 21-14 lead with 8:09 left. Navy responded to take a 23-21 lead, but late baskets from junior Sarah Listenbee and Megan Green in the waning minutes gave the Eagles a 33-30 halftime advantage.
Navy came out strong in the second half, making an 18-2 run to assume a 12-point lead at 47-35, six minutes into the frame. Another three pointer from Haeuptle with 12:11 to go cut the deficit to 51-40. Navy ran the lead to as many as 19 before a Haeuptle three with 5:28 left cut the margin to 65-52. The Midshipmen connected for enough free throws down the stretch to hold on for a 20-point win.
"It was a tremendous experience playing the U.S. Naval Academy on the road tonight", said UMW head coach Deena Applebury. "We battled with a successful Division I team and we learned a lot about ourselves as a team. I'm very happy with the way our kids competed."
The Eagles shot 35% from the floor (21-60), making 8-20 three point shots, while Navy shot 43.3% (26-60), making 4-21 shots from distance. The Eagles were 9-14 from the free throw line, while Navy went 23-40. Navy held a 52-32 rebounding lead.
Haeuptle led the Eagles with 18 points on 7-15 shooting, including 4-9 three pointers. Barton scored 11 points and added seven rebounds for UMW, while junior Megan Green had nine points and four assists. Navy was led by Sarah Reilly's 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Eagles will return to action on Saturday when they host Washington & Lee University at 1:00 p.m. at the Anderson Center.