LYNCHBURG, Va. -- In a very balanced and competitive contest to start the conference slate, Roanoke edged Randolph, 65-61, Tuesday night.

In the first 20 minutes of tonight's women's basketball contest, the score was tied nine teams and the lead changed hands the same amount.

Randolph and Roanoke each shot 40% in the first half, settling for a 29-29 scoreline at intermission.

Out of the break, the teams exchanged baskets before a 7-0 Maroon run put the guests up 41-33.

After a three by sophomore Brie Holdren, which cut the lead to five, the teams went back and forth again before a 7-2 Randolph run to level the score for the 11th time.

First-year Taylor Samuels and senior Allie Druffel both hit from the floor, while junior Abigail Bullins scored from long range, bringing Randolph back even.

After a Roanoke jumper put the Maroons on top, Randolph rattled off 10 straight points to gain an eight-point edge.

Sophomore Jacqueline Hockman had consecutive steals in that span, scoring once off a fast break.

First-year Alexis Calloway hit four straight free throws, while her classmate Taylor Samuels hit one.

Once again, a three from Bullins closed the spurt, giving Randolph a 55-47 edge with 5:03 left.

Over the next 2:47, however, Roanoke put together its own 10-0 run, regaining its lead.

A Bullins layup leveled the score once again with 2:00 to go, but the Maroons quickly returned the favor, taking the lead for the final time.

The WildCats could not find the equalizer on offense and were forced to foul down the stretch, with Roanoke hitting its free throws to ice the game.

Bullins led the WildCats with 21 points, while Roanoke had three players in double digits.

Druffel had a game-high 13 rebounds to go with her eight points and five assists.

Randolph has a quick turnaround, facing Gallaudet on Wednesday at 2 p.m.