Box Score VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Virginia Wesleyan University women's basketball defeated the Fighting Squirrels of Mary Baldwin University 73-37 on Sunday afternoon at TowneBank Arena in Virginia Beach, VA. First-year Sarah Ellis led the Marlins with a career-high 18 points to close action at the TowneBank Tipoff Classic. 

INSIDE THE SCORE
Score: Virginia Wesleyan 73 - Mary Baldwin 37
Records: Virginia Wesleyan 3-2 | Mary Baldwin 0-5
Location: Virginia Beach, VA | TowneBank Arena

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Marlins enjoyed an early lead as they came out of the gate scoring 10 points before the Fighting Squirrels found their first basket at the four-minute mark. MBU added three points while VWU score two more putting the score at 12-5 in Virginia Wesleyan's favor. 

Both teams opened the second quarter with a trio of points before Virginia Wesleyan went on an 8-0 run taking a 15-point lead, 23-8, with 4:35 left before halftime. The Marlins closed out the opening half with a 9-6 run taking a 32-14 advantage into the break. 

VWU opened the third quarter with six points, 38-14, before MBU scored a pair of points off free throws, the only points the Fighting Squirrels scored in the third quarter. The Marlins continued to increase their lead scoring 16 points throughout the remainder of the third quarter putting the score at 54-16 heading into the final 10 minutes. 

The Fighting Squirrels scored three quick baskets to open the fourth quarter, however, the Marlins answered with four baskets of their own taking a 40-point lead, 62-22, with just under seven minutes to play. Mary Baldwin outscored Virginia Wesleyan in the final seven minutes, 15-11, putting the final score at 73-37 in favor of the Marlins. 

Key Stats
The Marlins were led by Sarah Ellis with 18 points and eight rebounds. Jada Norman and Adaje Williams both scored 11 points, while Sydnee Washington added 10. Williams led all Marlins in rebounds with 12 for her first double-double of the season. 

Up Next
The Virginia Wesleyan University women's basketball team returns to action next Sunday, Nov. 27, when they host ODAC foe Hollins University at TowneBank Arena. Tipoff is set for 2 PM.