by Brian Hoffman
The Roanoke women’s basketball team used a big push in the middle two quarters for their sixth win in a row Saturday. The Maroons remained undefeated with a 57-56 win over Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach.
The second quarter was all Maroons as Roanoke held the Marlins to just five points in the quarter while more than doubling their first 10 minute point output, leading Virginia Wesleyan 29-18 at the break. Roanoke pushed its lead to as many as 17 at 37-20 with 5:12 left in the third quarter. The teams would go back and forth and trade baskets the rest of the period with the Maroons keeping a 16 point lead heading into the final period.
It was in the fourth quarter where the Marlins doubled their first three quarters offensive output and pulled even with a three pointer with just nine seconds left in the game at 56-56, forcing the Maroons to call a timeout. A quick foul by VWU sent Sayre Brandstatter to the free-throw line where she made one of two to put Roanoke ahead 57-56. A last second shot attempted by the Marlins clanked off the rim, allowing Roanoke come away with the 57-56 win in Virginia Beach.
The undefeated Maroons were led by Madison Nereu’s 15 points and 11 rebounds, both game-highs. Brandstatter finished with 12 points and both Lauren Keel and Morgan Micallef each scored 10.
After a break for final exams, the Maroons will travel south to Florida for the 2022 Dayton Beach Shootout. Roanoke will kick off the two games with a contest against Hood on Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m. in Daytona Beach.