WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Jana Sallman poured in 17 points to lead four in double figures as William & Mary handed Wake Forest its first loss of the season, 67-64, at the LJVM Coliseum on Wednesday morning.
The game began with both teams trading early baskets. Wake Forest (9-1) initially found rhythm through a 3-pointer by Grace Oliver. The Tribe (3-4) responded with
Natalie Fox scoring a jumper at 8:49, assisted by
Alexa Mikeska, which helped keep the visitors within striking distance.
The opening quarter saw multiple lead changes and was tightly contested, with
Monet Dance's 3-pointer at 2:20 narrowing the gap before
Kyah Smith tied the game at 1:30 with a 3-pointer, assisted by
Cassidy Geddes. The first quarter concluded with the Tribe and Demon Deacons deadlocked at 14-14.
W&M dominated the second quarter with a decisive 28-9 run over the Deacons. The quarter was highlighted by a strong performance in the paint, where W&M scored 20 points. Sallman and Fox combined for a series of key baskets, with Sallman closing the quarter with a jumper assisted by Geddes at the 0:01 mark.
The Green and Gold effectively utilized their fast breaks and bench contributions, holding a 19-point lead at half, 42-23.
The Tribe started the third quarter with a strong offensive push, leading with a 10-0 run highlighted by Geddes' three-pointer at 7:27 and her subsequent fast-break layup. Dance assisted Geddes on the three-pointer, providing momentum that extended with Sallman's three-point play at 6:34, bringing the score to 50-25.
Despite a late surge by the Deacons, including a three-pointer by Oliver, W&M maintained control. The quarter concluded with a three-pointer from Geddes at the buzzer, ending the quarter with the Green and Gold leading 55-43.
W&M maintained their edge in the fourth quarter, opening with a fast break layup by
Dynasti Pierce at 6:38, assisted by Dance, which extended their lead. Despite the Deacons' attempts to close the gap, including a late 3-pointer by Caitlyn Jones at 0:06, the Tribe held firm. Fox contributed a crucial layup at 3:58, and Dance helped secure the victory, hitting a pair of free throws with nine seconds remaining.
STAT NUGGETS