The Mary Baldwin Fighting Squirrels edged the Meredith Angels 56–55 on the road Friday, earning a hard-fought victory in a game that came down to the final minute.
The teams traded momentum throughout the first half, with Meredith taking a 30–25 lead into the break. Mary Baldwin stayed within reach behind strong opening halves from senior
Davyne Johnson and freshman
Lanie Bethel, who each scored 10 points. Johnson also added four assists as she helped steer the offense.
Mary Baldwin's defense tightened in the second quarter, limiting the Angels on the perimeter and holding them without a 3-pointer.
The Fighting Squirrels then found their rhythm offensively in the third quarter, outscoring Meredith by 11 and piecing together a decisive seven-point run. Freshman
Shyla Williams led the surge with six points. Williams ended the game with a double-double, scoring 11 points and bringing down 15 rebounds.
Meredith mounted a late comeback, but Johnson buried a clutch corner 3-pointer to give Mary Baldwin a 55–52 lead. The Angels tied it again with a minute remaining before freshman
Malia Bullock knocked down the eventual game-winning free throw.
The win is Mary Baldwin's first since Feb. 14, 2024, and its first road victory since December 2023. It also marks head coach
Bradley Rideout's first win as a Fighting Squirrel.
The Fighting Squirrels continue their road trip Saturday, Nov. 22, at Eastern Mennonite. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
Leading Scorers:
Davyne Johnson-15 points
Lanie Bethel-14 points
Shyla Williams-11
Leading Steals:
Shyla Williams-5
Davyne Johnson-
Leading Rebounders
Shyla WIlliams-15