BRIDGEWATER, Va. - Bridgewater College outscored Mary Baldwin 15-7 in the third quarter to push its lead to double digits and the Eagles went on to defeat the Fighting Squirrels 52-35 Tuesday evening in the season opener for both squads.

Bridgewater led 12-5 at the end of the first quarter and pushed the margin to double figures, 15-5, early in the second quarter. MBU rallied to trim the lead to four, 15-11, on 3-pointers by Gianna Gilmore and Imari Knight.

The Eagles built the lead back to 10 points, 23-13, but two foul shots by Gilmore and a layup at the buzzer by Lakia Thompson pulled the Squirrels to within six, 23-17, at the break.

A layup by Gilmore and a free throw by Knight cut the Eagles' lead to three, 23-20, to start the third quarter, but Bridgewater outscored MBU 15-4 during the remainder of the quarter to lead 38-24 heading into the final 10 minutes.

Riley Corcoran led a balanced Bridgewater offense as five players scored at least eight points. Corcoran led the winners with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Gilmore posted a double-double for MBU in her first college game, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Mya Coleman also netted 10 points for the Squirrels.

Mary Baldwin returns to action Friday evening with its home-opener against Roanoke College.