Women’s basketball beat Lynchburg 66-57

By: Hanna Bjarnason

Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington’s women’s basketball team kicked off their season with a 66-57 victory against the University of Lynchburg Hornets at home on Monday, Nov. 8.

“Honestly, everything about the season starting is exciting for me from being able to consistently practice as a team to finally being able to have fans in the stands,” said sophomore elementary education major and guard Keagan Schwab. “This season is going to be a lot of fun.”

Throughout the first quarter, the ball was constantly being taken back and forth down the court, and the Eagles’ supporters in the bleachers were rarely silent. The Eagles impressed the crowd with 3-pointers made by guard Megan Baxter and forward Tory Martin. As the first quarter concluded, the Eagles came out on top with a score of 21-17.

The second quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats, with UMW scoring 16 points to the Hornets’ 15 points. The energy remained high as the offensive players continued to dominate, with two 3-pointers scored by Schwab and one scored by guard Emily Shively. The Eagles came out of the second quarter with a slight lead of 37-32.

The Eagles and Hornets stayed neck-in-neck throughout the third quarter with a lead of 49-43, with more 3-pointers from Baxter.

The game ended in a victory for the Eagles with a score of 66-57, following four 3-pointers, two of which were made by guard Ashley Martin. There were notable performances from forward Tory Martin, who scored 13 points, guard Megan Baxter (12 points) and Schwab (12 points).

“As a team, I felt that we all played well together,” said senior biomedical sciences major Bri Harper. “I believe that we have great chemistry on the team and we could really go far this year if we keep improving.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly compromised many aspects of teams’ seasons throughout its duration, fans begin to reoccupy the stands in support of our beloved athletes.

Kayla Zamiska, a junior business administration major, was thrilled to be watching Eagles basketball again.

“It was nice to be back in the stands supporting a team,” Zamiska said. “I enjoy supporting my peers, and I am looking forward to attending more events this year.”

Many of the players said they were optimistic about the remainder of the season.

“I think this season will be exciting and highly energetic. We have an awesome group of players who can make it a special and successful season,” said Schwab. 

The women’s basketball team’s next game is in Selinsgrove, Pa. for the Susquehanna University Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 13 and 14.