LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Randolph was always within striking distance, but couldn't overcome a Bridgewater lead, falling 76-67.

After a back-and-forth start to today's tilt, Randolph earned its only lead of the game on a conventional three-point play thanks to Chelsea Tyler (Richmond, Va./Henrico).

After the junior hit a layup to level the game at a dozen apiece, the forward was true from the line, putting Randolph up with 12:20 to go in the first half.

The WildCats conceded an 8-0 run immediately thereafter, however, giving Bridgewater a lead it would never relinquish.

After falling behind by as much as 13 in the second half, Randolph used a 6-0 run to cut the lead from 11 to five as Jensen Hoover (Woodstock, Va./Central) hit once and Korin Harris (Brandywine, Md./Elizabeth Seton) struck twice, including after an offensive rebound under the basket.

After a Bridgewater free throw, Hoover pulled Randolph within four. Harris once again hit on a put-back the next time down the court to once again make the deficit four.

The WildCats could not get closer, however, as another 8-0 Eagle run put the game out of reach.

Randolph outrebounded the Eagles and had a better field goal percentage, but the team was hurt at the free throw line. The Eagles attempted 24 more shots from the charity stripe, hitting 17 more freebies than their counterparts.

Hoover finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Harris and first-year Brie Holdren (Bedford, Va./Staunton River) were the two other WildCats in double figures with 10 each.

Four Eagles had at least 10, led by 18 from Holly Morgan. Heather Cantrell had 16 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

Senior Emilee Dunton (Forest, Va./Brookville) matched a team season best with seven assists for Randolph.

The WildCats travel to Randolph-Macon on Tuesday for more ODAC action.