WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The William & Mary women's basketball team defeated Barton College, 81-62, at Kaplan Arena with a commanding performance in its home opener.
The win was the 50
th in the head coaching career of
Erin Dickerson Davis in her fourth season at the helm of the Tribe program.
W&M capitalized on the Bulldogs' 24 turnovers, converting them into 29 points, while also securing a 38-16 advantage in points in the paint.
The Green and Gold started strong against Barton with an early 3-pointer by
Monet Dance to give the Tribe a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
The team extended its advantage with key contributions in the paint, including layups by
Jana Sallman and
Natalie Fox.
Cassidy Geddes also contributed with a jumper at 4:27, increasing the home team's margin.
Despite a small push by Barton to attempt to close the gap, the Tribe maintained its lead thanks to a triple from
Kyah Smith. The first frame ended with the hosts in front 18-12.
W&M held onto momentum in the second quarter with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Geddes' consistent contributions.
Dynasti Pierce's early tip-in and subsequent steal led to a layup by Geddes made it 22-14 two minutes into the stanza.
The Tribe's lead would grow from there, turning defense into offense for nine points off turnovers in the second 10 minutes. The finishing touches to the half were provided by
Marley Long's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, sending W&M to the break with a 42-27 lead.
The Green and Gold maintained control in the third quarter with a series of impactful plays. Geddes initiated the momentum with a layup at 7:56, contributing to a 9–0 run that included key baskets from Sallman and Mikeska. This stretch of play extended its lead to 49–30.
W&M also maintained its strong defensive effort, forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on the Bulldogs' mistakes.
Mikeska's playmaking was evident as she assisted on several buckets, including a fast-break jumper by
Sophia LeGoullon with 1:07 remaining in the frame. Her eight assists in the game tied her career high as W&M ended the quarter leading 65–39.
The Tribe extended its lead early in the fourth quarter with a layup by Fox at 9:36.
Ari Mercado then capitalized on a fast break, hitting a three-pointer while getting fouled. The freshman finished off the four-point-play to make it 71–39.
From there the Bulldogs were able to narrow the gap, but at that point the Green and Gold was able to coast to the finish for its first win of the season, 81-62.
Geddes scored 16 points, connecting on 7-of-12 from the field. Mikeska recorded eight assists and added three rebounds to go with four points. Fox finished with 11 points and collected seven rebounds, while also tallying two steals. Sallman contributed 11 points and gathering six rebounds.
The Tribe posted 47.5% from the field while holding Barton to just above 30% shooting. W&M also was a solid 19-of-24 from the charity stripe. 22 of the Tribe's 28 field goals in the ballgame were assisted.
William & Mary continues its three-game homestand on Wednesday, hosting No. 24 Richmond at 7 p.m. in Kaplan Arena. The game will be broadcast on FloCollege.
