BUENA VISTA, Va. - Randolph women's basketball traveled to Southern Virginia for its first road contest of the season on Saturday evening for a weekend matchup. The WildCats drop the contest 48-55 to the Knights.

In the opening quarter, the WildCats struggled offensively, shooting 23.1% (3-13) compared to Southern Virginia's 42.9% (6-14), and ended the period down 14-7. However, the WildCats bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring the Knights 20-15 while shooting 50.0% (5-10) from the field and 80.0% (8-10) from the free-throw line. Randolph closed the first half strong after a slow start, trailing Southern Virginia 29-27 at the break.

"Tough defensive battle tonight," said head coach Steve Lanpher. "We made a few more unfortunate turnovers & Southern Virginia was able to get the win. I thought in the first half we missed some assignments which allowed them to hit some three-point shots. We adjusted at halftime and took those shots away."

The third quarter saw the WildCats take control, outscoring their opponents 15-9 while shooting 42.9% (6-14) from the field and dominating the boards with 12 rebounds to Southern Virginia's nine. The WildCats briefly led 42-38 at the end of the quarter, their largest lead of the game. However, Southern Virginia responded in the fourth quarter, fueled by a 17-6 run and a 75.0% (9-12) performance from the free-throw line. Randolph struggled offensively in the final frame, shooting just 14.3% (2-14) from the field and 33.3% (2-6) from the line.

"The third quarter, we defended and executed on offense which allowed us to be leading at the end of the third," said Lanpher. "I thought we got tight in the fourth and wasn't able to convert consistently on the offensive end. Overall, I liked our battle & effort and we'll treat this as a learning experience and grow & improve from this setback."

Kylie Stark filled the stat sheet with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists to lead the WildCats. Teniyah Crenshaw-Patterson added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Taniya Jackson chipped in five points off the bench. Randolph's defense forced nine steals and held Southern Virginia to 15.8% shooting in the third quarter. 

The 'Cats return to Giles Gymnasium on Wednesday as they host Mary Washington for a 6 p.m. game time.