DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Hood College's Rachel Wiley (Frederick, Md. / Tuscarora) turned in another strong performance at the Land of Magic Classic with a career-high 20 points and game-high 18 rebounds. Despite the senior's strong efforts, the team fell 61-56 to Wesleyan (Conn.).

The senior had eight points during Hood's 14-6 run to start the game. The Cardinals answered with a run of their own and tied the score 16-16 with eight minutes remaining after a 3-pointer from Miller Hartsoe. 

Wesleyan pulled ahead following a nine-point run, but Taylor McGaughey (New Market, Md. / Oakdale) sank a 3-pointer and layup with four minutes remaining to put the Blazers in reach, 28-24. The Cardinals claimed the first half 36-28, despite Wiley notching her fourth double-double of the year before halftime with 12 points and 11 boards.

The Blazers started the scoring in the second half, but Wesleyan stayed ahead through the entire period. Allie Appleby (Bel Air, Md. / C. Milton Wright) started a five-point run with four minutes on the clock, but the Cardinals held on for the win, 61-56.

Verkia Smith (Waldorf, Md. / North Point) tallied 10 points in the game and McGaughey came off the bench to add seven. 

Wesleyan's Brenna Diggins led the team with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Jess Cherenza added 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Hood took excellent care of the ball, committing a season-low 13 turnovers in the contest. The Blazers limited Wesleyan to just 1-of-10 on 3-point field goals.

Hood takes on Gettysburg on January 4 in the Days Inn Tournament.