Sophomore Grace Hare scored a career-high 17 points, connecting on three first half three pointers, to lift the University of Mary Washington women's basketball team to a 61-36 victory over Hood College on Thursday evening at Ron Rosner Arena. The Eagles improve to 15-8 on the season.

The Eagles dug themselves a large hole early, making just one of 13 shots in the first quarter and trailing, 11-4, after the first quarter. With her starters struggling, head coach Deena Applebury turned to her bench, who responded, outscoring the Blazers, 21-10 in the second. Hare connected for 13 points in a stretch late in the quarter, making all five of her shots, including three triples. The Eagles led at intermission, 25-21.

In the third, UMW continued to shoot well, mirroring their second quarter production from the floor, making 9-14 shots. Meanwhile, the Eagle defense stiffened, holding the Blazers to just 15 second half points. 

Hare led all scorers with 17 points on 6-9 shooting, making 3-4 three pointers and 2-4 free throws. She was joined in double figures by senior Jordan Carpenter, who added 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

The Eagles shot 40.3% from the floor (25-62), making 5-15 three point attempts and 6-12 free throws. Hood shot 11-41 (26.8%), making 3-13 three point shots and 11-16 free throws. The Eagles dominated the boards, 45-27.

UMW closes the regular season with a 15-8 mark, and will next compete in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Tournament on February 22-24 in Newport News, Va. Seedings and game times will be announced on Monday.