The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team started on fire offensively, but cooled after the first quarter in a 54-49 loss at Lynchburg College on Tuesday night. The Eagles slip to 1-3 on the season.

In the first quarter, UMW built a 19-7 lead, shooting 8-13 from the floor while holding Lynchburg scoreless for the opening four minutes of play. After freshman Tory Martin scored the first two baskets, five other Eagles each scored a basket in the frame.

The Hornets opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run, and the Eagles held the lead until 4:07 remining, when a pair of free throws gave Lynchburg its first lead of the night at 24-23. After two more free throws extended the margin to 26-23, both teams went quiet until senior Kendall Parker hit a pair of free throws to trim the deficit back to one. Martin made a pair of baskets to close the half and pull the Eagles to within one at 30-29.

The Eagles relied on their defense in the third to pull ahead. After an opening three point play, Lynchburg would score just one point over the next 5:07, as UMW went ahead with a pair of baskets from senior Taylor Barton. The Hornets scored two of the last three baskets of the frame to move to within 40-39 entering the fourth quarter.

Lynchburg scored the first two baskets of the fourth, but a three pointer from freshman Madison Shifflett tied the score at 43-43 with 8:48 to go. Lynchburg hit a three pointer and then another basket to up their lead to five, and after the teams traded baskets, Lynchburg held a 50-45 lead with 3:33 left. After a free throw extended the margin with 1:06 left, Parker hit three free throws to cut the margin to a one possession game at 51-48 with 33 seconds left.

The Hornets would hit three more free throws down the stretch, limiting UMW to one, for a 54-49 win.

Parker and Martin led UMW with eight points apiece, with Barton grabbing eight rebounds. The Eagles shot 41.3% from the field (19-46), making 2-16 three point tries and 9-14 free throws. Lynchburg shot 34.6% from the floor (18-52), making 2-12 three pointers and 16-22 free throws. The Hornets led in rebounds, 36-29, and committed 17 turnovers while UMW committed 18.

The Eagles will be back in action next Wednesday when they host St. Mary's College in the Capital Athletic Conference opener at 6 p.m.