The 22nd ranked University of Mary Washington women's basketball team dropped a 54-48 decision to Messiah University on Saturday afternoon at Ron Rosner Area, to fall to 7-2 on the season.

Both teams came out blazing offensively, as each team shot 50% from the field in the first quarter. The Eagles opened the game with the first five points, before Messiah responded with six straight in gaining a 6-5 advantage with 6:16 left in the first quarter. A three pointer with 1:52 left gave the Falcons a 15-9 lead, but senior Keagan Schwab answered with a thre pointer to cap the first quarter scoring, with the Eagles trailing by three.

Both teams continued to shoot well in the second, but both sides also saw the turnover bug hit. The Falcons extended their lead to five before UMW went on a run to grab the lead back at 20-19 with 6:07 remaining on a jumper from senior Ashley Martin. Messiah closed the frame on a 9-2 run, and took a 28-24 lead to halftime.

The Eagles' deficit swung between one and five points into the third quarter, and a three-pointer from Megan Baxter tied the score at 36 with 2:00 left in the frame, and Messiah held onto a 40-38 lead entering the fourth quarter. 

The Falcons went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth, but the Eagles chipped away with a 10-3 run. Keagan Schwab pulled the Eagles to within 52-48 with 12 seconds left, but the Falcons converted on free throws down the stretch for the victory.

Martin and Sydney Sherman led the Eagles with 12 points each, and Carpenter added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Eagles shot 40.8% from the floor (20-49), making 3-10 three point attempts and 5-8 free throws. Messiah shot 42.9% (21-49), making 1-5 three point tries and 11-14 free throws. The Eagles controlled the boards, 34-25, but committed 26 turnovers, to 20 for the Falcons.

UMW will be idle midweek for finals and return to action next Saturday against North Carolina Wesleyan College at 1:00 p.m. at Ron Rosner Arena.