WASHINGTON, D.C. — Behind a 28-point first quarter, William & Mary women's basketball defeated American University 73-60 at Bender Arena on Sunday afternoon. It marked the third straight non-conference road win for the Tribe, who racked up 22 points off turnovers.

W&M (4-4) opened the first quarter with a strong offensive start, quickly equalizing the score with a layup by Alexa Mikeska at 9:29, assisted by Natalie Fox. Cassidy Geddes contributed significantly with a three-pointer at 8:02, followed by a steal and another three-pointer at 4:49. The Tribe was dominant in the paint as it outscored American 16-10, with Fox leading multiple successful plays, including a jumper at 7:09.

A pivotal moment occurred when Dynasti Pierce completed a three-point play at 5:47, extending the lead. Jana Sallman added to the momentum with consistent scoring, including a jumper at 3:23. Monet Dance closed the quarter effectively with a fastbreak layup at 00:04, securing a 28-12 lead for W&M after the first quarter.

William & Mary started the second quarter strongly, with Sallman's layup at 8:57, assisted by Fox, sparking a run that extended their lead. This was followed by Geddes scoring a fast-break layup, assisted by Dance, at 8:29. Despite American's efforts to counter with 3-point shooting, W&M maintained pressure, highlighted by Ari Mercado's jumper at 5:39 that pushed the score to 39–17.

The Eagles (1-7) managed to close the gap slightly with a pair of 3-pointers in the final minutes, but the Green and Gold's defense, including multiple steals and a block by Sallman, kept them in control. The quarter ended with the Tribe leading 43–30, heading into the next phase of the contest.

William & Mary maintained control in the third quarter, with Fox scoring a layup at 9:36 that set the tone for their offensive efficiency. Fox contributed significantly, scoring multiple times in the paint, aided by assists from Mikeska and Geddes. Sallman also added key points, including four free throws in quick succession, bolstering William & Mary's lead. Despite American's efforts, including a three-pointer from Madisyn Moore-Nicholson, the Tribe finished the quarter with a narrow 18-17 edge, moving the overall score to 61-47 in their favor.

William & Mary secured their victory with a strong performance in the paint, highlighted by Fox's jumper assisted by Sallman to open the fourth. Sallman then contributed a crucial steal and jumper, extending the lead to 65–50 at 8:53. American attempted to respond with a pair of three-pointers, but Geddes' three-pointer at 6:38, assisted by Fox, cemented the Tribe's momentum.

Despite a late push from American, W&M maintained control, with Amelia Basit's layup at 1:07, assisted by Mikeska, pushing the score to 73–57. A late three by AU provided for the final margin as the Tribe won by double-digits for the second time in three games.

STAT NUGGETS

• Sallman led the way with 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
• Geddes had 18 points and nailed four 3-pointers.
• Fox added 15 points and six boards.
• The Tribe won the turnover battle 18-12 and shot a season-best 50% from the floor.
• The 28 points was tied for the Tribe's most in a quarter this season.
• This is W&M's longest non-conference road winning streak (three) since Nov. 30-Dec. 29, 2019.