Marlins Roll as Nancy Kelly Jersey is Retired, Gerni Breaks ODAC Record

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Several firsts occurred in the women's basketball game Saturday afternoon as Virginia Wesleyan College rolled to an 87-49 victory over Hollins University in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play.

The Marlins retired the jersey of Nancy Kelly '15 in a pregame ceremony. Kelly became the first women's basketball player to have their jersey retired by Virginia Wesleyan. Kelly left a lasting mark on the basketball program before tragically passing away last year.

Amanda Gerni was responsible for another program first on Saturday, connecting on 11 three-pointers to break the ODAC single-game record for made threes. She was tied for the record with Emily Mullet of Eastern Mennonite University as both players poured in 10 three-pointers in a single contest on two separate occasions.

Gerni was a very solid 10-of-15 from three-point range in the contest, ultimately going 11-for-20 as she attempted to break the record late in the game. She hit the record-breaking three with 2:24 left in the game, exiting to a roaring ovation by the Virginia Wesleyan faithful.

The Marlins led just 33-22 at halftime and led 38-27 at the 8:30 mark following a Hollins layup by LaChrisha Hill.

Virginia Wesleyan pulled away from there, going on a commanding 32-2 run over the remainder of the quarter. The run started with four made three-pointers on four possessions as Gerni connected for two and Jayla Harris added a pair more to put the Marlins up 52-27 with 5:08 to play.

The Virginia Wesleyan defense held Hollins scoreless for nearly seven minutes before Nicolette Valencia made a jumper to cut the deficit to 65-29 with 1:38 to go in the third.

Hollins (4-10/0-6) was led offensively by Hill, who finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Jewellanna Parfitt added 11 points and seven boards.

The Marlins had several big single-game performances in the box score. Gerni finished with a career high 38 points. It is the most points scored by a Marlin this year and the second-most ever in a game by a Marlin. Joanette Lowery holds the record with 40 points at Chowan on January 24, 1978.

Raya Berkley had a big day just eight days after matching a career high in assists with six. She flew past that total with 10 assists on the afternoon. Alexis Platt had a busy day on the glass, finishing two shy away from a personal best with 12 rebounds.

Virginia Wesleyan (9-5/4-2) hosts Stevenson University (9-6) Monday for a 6 p.m. non-conference start.