ASHLAND, Va--- Roanoke suffered its first loss of the season to #14 Mary Washington, 70-61 at the Randolph-Macon Tip-Off Classic in Ashland, Virginia.  The Maroons fell to 1-1 on the year, while the Eagles improved to 1-2 on the young season.

 

Mary Washington, ranked 14^th in the latest WBCA poll, defeated Roanoke for the first time since 1983.  The Maroons hold an 8-2 advantage in the all-time series.

 

The Eagles scored 24 points off of 19 Maroon turnovers.  They also held a 31-28 edge in rebounds over Roanoke, something that rarely happens against the strong front line of the Maroons.

 

Mary Washington raced out to an early advantage, leading by as many as 15 points in the first half.  Trailing by eight at the start of the second stanza, Roanoke clawed its way back behind a team-high 18 point, six rebound, and four block performance from tournament MVP, Nicci Moats (Blue Ridge, VA, Lord Botetourt). 

 

The Maroons cut the lead all the way down to two, but could get no closer as the Eagles pulled away late. Jordan Gholson (Louisa, VA, Louisa County) chipped in 13 points and six boards, giving her 500 rebounds in her career at Roanoke. 

Hannah Davidson (Pulaski, VA, Pulaski County) added eight points, going two-of-three from behind the arc. Rebecca Bays (Roanoke, VA, William Byrd) and Kendra Porter (Jamestown, NC, Dudley) dished out four and three assists, respectively.

 

Katie Wimmer led a balanced attack for the Eagles, that included three players that scored in double figures. She finished 19 points, seven assists and, and five rebounds. Jenna McRae and Carol Dye contributed 15 and 14 points each to help pace Mary Washington.

 

The Maroons will return to action December 1^st when they play host to Eastern Mennonite. The game is set for a 5:00 p.m. tip off.

2010 Randolph-Macon Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team: