LYNCHBURG, Va. - The Randolph College women's basketball team fell to Virginia Wesleyan, 53-66, on Saturday evening in ODAC action.

The game opened as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm in the first quarter. Virginia Wesleyan held a slim 10-7 edge after one, but Randolph responded in the second quarter with improved shooting and trips to the free-throw line. The WildCats outscored the Marlins 15-11 in the period to trail 21-22 at halftime. 

The Marlins pulled away in the third quarter, shooting an efficient 8-of-10 from the field and outscoring Randolph 23-14 to build a double-digit advantage. Randolph attempted to close the gap in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 points, but the Marlins maintained control down the stretch to secure the victory.

Pariz Minor led the Randolph team with 10 points and five rebounds. Brooklyn Finnerty added nine points off the bench, going 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, while Taniya Jackson finished with eight points. Makiah Scott and Talia Edmond chipped in six points apiece, and Jaellen Hillery contributed five points, four assists, and three rebounds.

The WildCats will return to action when they travel to Washington & Lee on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. tipoff.