FREDERICK, Md.—The Hood College women's basketball team (6-16, 2-12 CAC) was defeated at home by first-place Mary Washington (22-0, 13-0 CAC) in a closely contested game for the undefeated Eagles. The six-point margin for Hood was the closest any Capital Athletic Conference team has come to Mary Washington this season and was also the closest Hood has come to winning against the Eagles in team history.

Junior guard Emily Maerz paced the Blazers in scoring with 20 points, including a career-high six threes. Maerz was making shots from all over the court to keep Hood close throughout the game. Junior guard Dyanna Prater also chipped in with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Mary Washington did not have a player register in double figures and was led by substitute Claire Brooks who scored nine points on the game.

Hood started out the game hot as two Maerz threes in the first eight minutes gave Hood an 11-6 advantage. Mary Washington's country-leading defense kicked in midway through the first half as Hood had a tough time getting anything going into halftime. Mary Washington guard Katie Wimmer started a 15-3 run over the last four minutes of the first half with a leaning jumper. The run concluded with a Sam Partonen running jumper at the buzzer to send the Eagles into the half with a 27-18 lead.

Hood came out in the second half fighting as the freshman duo of Briana Lee and Rachel Wiley each hit shots to bring Hood within five points at 33-28. Mary Washington came back and went up ten after an Amanda Witmer three put the Blazers in a big hole. Maerz hit Hood's next three shots, all threes, including a banked-in three bringing Hood within six. The blue-and-grey seemed to be done after an Aby Diop layup gave Mary Washington an 11-point lead with just over two minutes left. Prater made two layups and was fouled on both with just over a minute remaining to give Hood six straight points and hope. Mary Washington though had a little bit too much down the stretch for the Blazers and escaped BB&T Arena with a 53-47 victory.

Hood returns to action this Saturday to take on Marymount in its last home game of the season. Hood will honor senior Emalie Stroup before the game and hold its alumnae game before the game. The alumnae game will start at noon and the women's game will tip off at 2 p.m.