Marlins Win Thriller over Averett

Fredericksburg, VA--- The Virginia Wesleyan College women's basketball team beat Averett in a 64-63 thriller in the opening round of the University of Mary Washington Tip- Off Tournament.

The Marlins trailed 63-61 with 30 seconds to play when a timeout allowed the Marlins to set up a final offense. Alexis Platt managed to find sophomore Amanda Gerni for a three pointer that splashed through with six seconds later to give the Marlins the win.

NiAsia Caldwell and Jayla Harris both got off to a strong start in today's contest by combining for 15 of the Marlin's 19 first quarter points. Harris shot 50% in the quarter while posting seven points and Caldwell didn't miss a single shot, shooting a perfect 3-3 from the floor. Caldwell scored 16 points in the first half while also knocking down two three pointers in the second quarter.

The Cougars took a 36-35 halftime lead after pouring in 22 total team points in the second quarter to counter the Marlins impressive first quarter. Samm Chandler registered 10 points in the first half to lead Averett in scoring at the break. Chandler nearly posted a double-double before intermission by grabbing down seven boards.

The game proved to be a solid defensive matchup. Virginia Wesleyan shot 33.8% from the field and Averett shot 35.7% on the night. The Marlins played well defensively by earning 10 total team steals while also forcing the Cougars to commit 27 turnovers in the game.

NiAsia Caldwell poured in a game high 21 points to the lead the Marlins attack while shooting an impressive 7-11 from the field. Harris was the only other Marlin to score in double figures as she scored 19 points on the night.

Samm Chandler recorded a double-double in tonight's matchup by registering 17 points and 18 rebounds. Frida Lundquist chipped in 11 points on the night for the Cougars, respectively.

Virginia Wesleyan (1-1) will play the winner of Mary Washington and Alvernia in tomorrow's Championship.