ASHLAND, Va. - A strong fourth-quarter effort by the Randolph College WildCats wasn't enough to overcome a tough Randolph-Macon squad, as the Yellow Jackets secured a 61-45 victory in ODAC action on Saturday afternoon at Crenshaw Gymnasium.

"Tough outcome against a very good Macon team," said head coach Steve Lanpher. " I thought defensively they took us out of our comfort zone & they moved the ball efficiently which allowed them to score more consistently."

Randolph struggled offensively early, scoring four points in the first quarter and 14 in the second, trailing 34-18 at halftime. The WildCats were limited to only three points in the third quarter, allowing Randolph-Macon to extend its lead to 52-21 entering the final period.

In the fourth, early on, Maddie Pabon knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 28 points. Kylie Stark then contributed heavily with a pair of free throws followed by a three-pointer, reducing the lead to 23 points. Randolph's defense tightened, forcing turnovers and converting them into points, highlighted by Stark's fastbreak layup off a steal. Ravyn Gill provided a spark off the bench, scoring a layup and later hitting a three-pointer, bringing Randolph within 17 points with just over four minutes to play. However, despite the momentum, Randolph-Macon remained composed with a 7-7 run to end the quarter with the win.

"I was proud of how we battled & never quick but we've got to improve on both ends," said Lanpher.

Randolph (7-9, 2-5 ODAC) shot 29.8% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc but found a rhythm late, shooting 56.3% in the fourth quarter. The Yellow Jackets dominated in the paint with a 26-16 advantage and out-rebounded the WildCats 40-34.

Kylie Stark led the team with 19 points. Stark shot 6-of-15 from the field and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line while adding six assists and two rebounds. Taniya Jackson added seven points and a rebound for the WildCats, while Maddie Pabon chipped in six points, five rebounds, and two assists. Ravyn Gill provided a spark off the bench, scoring seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in just six minutes of play.

"Tough week but we've got to regroup and get ready for a big week at home," said Lanpher. "We are very capable, but we must become more consistent with our effort and execution on both ends of the floor."

The 'Cats return to the court on Wednesday when they host the University of Lynchburg in Giles Gymnasium for Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.