Baltimore, MD – Monique Welch made a layup with three seconds left to lift Goucher to a 43-42 Landmark Conference victory over Merchant Marine Saturday night.  Sara Ellenberger (Phoenix, AZ) knocked down a jumper to put the Mariners on top by one with just 30 seconds remaining in regulation.  Senior Kristina Walz (Monona, IA) had a strong night, recording a double-double of 20 points and ten rebounds.

Merchant Marine (1-3, 0-1 Landmark) pulled out to an 11-3 lead after the opening tip.  The Mariners also dominated the rebounding battle, holding a 66-41 edge on the glass.  Rebecca Resor (Bay St. Louis, MS) notched a team high 12 rebounds and also totaled three blocks.  However, USMMA was ultimately unable to overcome shooting 23.3 percent (17-73) from the floor.

Goucher (4-3, 1-0 Landmark) was anchored by the 18 points of Welch while Sharnell Huff added 14 rebounds.  The Gophers also struggled from the field, hitting 14-of-58 (24.1%) but were 50 percent (5-10) from beyond the arc.  Goucher trailed USMMA 21-19 at halftime but closed the period scoring five consecutive points. 

The Mariners offense continued to struggle and found itself in a 41-32 hole with just 3:58 on the clock.  However, Walz would catch fire for Merchant Marine and scored six straight points on her own to close the gap to 41-40.  That set the stage for Ellenberger's jumper followed by a Mariners defensive stop and an Alexandra Winfree (Millstone, NJ) rebound.

The Gophers would foul and send the senior to the line for a one-and-one.  However, Winfree would not make the front end as Welch converted on the next possession.   Merchant Marine could not get off a shot in the final possession as Goucher took the 43-42 victory in the Landmark Conference opener for both sides.

The USMMA women's basketball team returns home Tuesday night for a 6:00 pm tip against New Jersey City.