LYNCHBURG, Va. -- A huge goal in the second half equalized the score and gave Randolph confidence, but Virginia Wesleyan rebounded to earn a 3-1 win.

Virginia Wesleyan wasted no time in its effort to move to 6-1 in conference play, scoring in the fourth minute off of a lofted shot from 25 yards out.

The Marlins held a 14-4 edge in shots, as Randolph junior Ally Ramos had an early shot on goal and sophomore Sarah Sivick had three long shots late, one of which was on net.

At intermission, VWC led, 1-0, but could not get a second thanks to seven saves in the frame from first-year Quinn-Lynn Bates.

To start the second half, the visitors had the first five shots, including a dangerous attempt just tapped over the bar by Bates.

A minute after Bates's stop, the WildCats used the momentum to level the score off a free kick by Maggie Croft.

The sophomore crossed her set piece into the box in a dangerous position, where the defense struggled to clear it.

The ball bounced out to senior Brittany Hammons, who quickly deposited the ball into the net off the keeper's hands, tying the game up in the 52nd minute.

VWC had 14 of the game's final 16 shots, however, earning two goals in quick succession to gain the lead.

Randolph had two chances to cut that lead in half, but sophomore Erin McClelland's shot from distance was saved in the top corner and Hammons's attempt was also stopped.

Bates finished with a dozen stops for the WildCats.

Randolph heads on the road to face Bridgewater this weekend before finishing with three of four at home.