Center Valley, PA (March 1, 2024) - The #15 DeSales University women's basketball team out-scored Southern Virginia, 30-17, in the second-half riding a strong defensive effort to a 53-42 win in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Friday evening in Billera Hall.

The Basics

• Final Score: #15 DeSales - 53, Southern Virginia - 42
• Records: #15 DeSales (26-2 overall); Southern Virginia (22-7 overall)
• The Bulldogs have now won three straight NCAA 1st Round games over the last three years.
• DSU runs its win streak up to 19 straight on the season and 10th straight at home.
• It was the first meeting between the two teams.

How it Happened

• S. Virginia got off to a hot start shooting 53.8 percent in the first quarter as the Bulldogs only hit 16.7 percent and found themselves trailing by eight (14-6).
• Consecutive 3's from senior Megan Bealer and sophomore Mikaili Donmoyer to start the second quarter quickly made it a two-point game.
• DSU scored five straight points later in the quarter to take its first lead (22-20) before the Knights hit a three-pointer late in the half to take a 25-23 lead into the locker room.
• The third quarter was a back-and-forth defensive battle with three ties and five lead changes that saw the Bulldogs still trailing by one point (36-35).
• The defense took over in the fourth quarter holding SVA to just six points and the Bulldogs started the quarter with eight straight points to take a 43-36 lead.
• SVA got within five points at the 4:38 mark but DSU iced the game from the line hitting 8-for-10 from the free throw line over the final 3:45 to advance into the second round.

Top Bulldog Performers

• Senior Mikaela Reese had another big game recording her ninth double-double of the year with 17 points and 12 rebounds and added six blocks.
• Bealer added 11 points and had nine rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
• Senior Lindsey Welsh finished with 10 points and a team-high four assists.
• Donmoyer also had 10 points.

For the Foes

• Abigail Snyder was the lone double digit scorer for the Knights with 12 points.

Inside the Box Score

• DeSales forced 21 turnovers and scored 15 points off those miscues.
• The Bulldogs were also very efficient from the free throw line hitting 15 for-21 (71.4%) as compared to just 2-for-10 for the Knights.

Up Next

• The Bulldogs have a quick turn-around hosting #1 New York University in the second round tomorrow night with tip set for 7:00 pm.