FERRUM, Va. - The Randolph College Women's Basketball team opened ODAC play with a tough 30-35 loss to Ferrum College on Tuesday night. Despite a dominant defensive effort in the first half and a strong showing on the boards, the WildCats could not overcome offensive struggles in a tightly contested game.

Randolph (4-2, 0-1 ODAC) put on a defensive clinic in the first half, limiting Ferrum (3-1, 1-0 ODAC) to just two points in the second quarter and taking a 16-10 lead into the break. The defense, anchored by Teniyah Crenshaw-Patterson and Brooklyn Finnerty, forced tough shots and limited the Panthers to 12.5% shooting in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, the WildCats extended their lead by adding 14 points for a six-point lead over Ferrum, however, a scoreless fourth quarter from the WildCats proved decisive as Ferrum surged back with an 11-point final frame in the fourth quarter.

Randolph's shooting woes, especially from beyond the arc (1-for-18), hindered its ability to capitalize on key opportunities down the stretch. The 'Cats also struggled offensively throughout the game, shooting just 19.2% from the floor.

"Unfortunately, we played our worst offensive game to date," said head coach Steve Lanpher. "We couldn't get in any flow offensively between turnovers & missed shots." 

Crenshaw-Patterson led Randolph with nine points and 11 rebounds. Kylie Stark had six points for the WildCats and a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line. Finnerty was a key contributor off the bench with five points and 11 boards, including 7 offensive rebounds. Jasmin Williams added 5 points, hitting Randolph's lone three-pointer.

"We'll need to just flush this game out of our system," said Lanpher. "Go enjoy our families & refocus on Friday!"

The WildCats are back home on Sunday when they host Greensboro College at 2 p.m. in Giles Gymnasium.