SALEM Va. - The Virginia Wesleyan University women's basketball team held on to beat Roanoke, 53-48, on the road. With the win, the Marlins move to 5-10 on the year and pick up a crucial ODAC victory (2-4). Roanoke is 5-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play as well.

It was a rough start for the Marlins as the squad quickly went down 10-1 in the first. The squad stormed back though, trailing by just two at the end of the quarter. The second quarter looked to be going the same way as the Maroons went up, 18-12, over the first three minutes. VWU was able to settle in though, scoring 17 to close out the quarter and holding Roanoke to just 3.

Up 29-21 to start the second half, the Marlins continued to roll as they put up another 16 in the third. Roanoke pulled in close in the final stanza, behind just one point with 1:21 left in regulation. A couple offensive boards from Naeemah Morris and Reagan Holmes helped the Marlins run the clock down to 19 seconds forcing the Maroons to foul and on the line where Jayla Harris and Raya Berkley were able to seal up the win.

Harris led the Marlins in scoring, putting up 12, including two crucial free throws near the end of the game. NiAsia Caldwell pitched in 10 points coming off the bench.

The Marlins won the turnover battle, giving away the ball only twelve times, tying a season low. On the other hand, they forced 21 Maroon turnovers, turning them into 24 points.

Women's basketball returns to the hardwood at 7 p.m. on Wednesday as it hosts Shenandoah in another ODAC battle.