LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph women's basketball team hosted Washington and Lee on Tuesday at Giles Gymnasium. The Generals, playing in their first game of the season, defeated the WildCats by the score of 68-41.

Both teams were neck and neck to begin the first quarter. With the scored tied at 10-10 at 5:01, W&L went on a 6-0 run to go ahead 16-10 at the 3:06 mark. Randolph went on a 6-2 run it close to within two points, 18-16, at the conclusion of the quarter.

In the second quarter, after a three by Washington and Lee's Lynn Johnson gave  the visitors a 21-16 advantage, a pair of free throws by Kylie Stark (Lynchburg, Va./Brookville) narrowed the 'Cats' gap to three points, 21-18, at 8:55. A 13-4 run the rest of the period gave W&L a double-digit lead going into the break, 34-22.

The WildCats started strong in the third stanza as they scored seven straight points to close the gap to five points with under seven minutes remaining. It was still a seven-point contest at 5:23 until the Generals used a 13-0 run to go up 51-31 with 1:28 to play in the third quarter. Washington and Lee outscored Randolph 17-6 in the fourth quarter to remain comfortably ahead.

Randolph shot 54.5% (6-of-11) in the first quarter but cooled down the remainder of the contest as it finished shooting 27.3% (15-of-55) overall. The WildCats did perform well at the charity stripe as they were 9-of-12 (75%). W&L controlled the boards 49-34.

Stark led Randolph with 18 points and seven steals. She also grabbed three rebounds and blocked two shots. Natalie Clark (Chesapeake, Va./Indian River) scored a career-high 16 points with nine coming in the first quarter. She came down with four rebounds. Cameron O'Neil (Gloucester, Va./Gloucester) led with seven rebounds.

"We are disappointed about the final score but I like our grit and effort," said head coach Steve Lanpher afterwards.  "Natalie gave us a great boost early with her attacking the lane and scoring as she finished with a career high 16 points.  Kylie continued her strong play on both ends coring 18 and defensively she was so active garnering seven steals. W&L's depth and 2nd shots really hurt us.  Tenae had some bright spots with her scoring and rebounding." 

The WildCats return to Giles Gymnasium this Sunday as they host Shenandoah. Game time will be at 2:00 p.m.