Box Score

Despite a cold shooting night, the seventh-ranked University of Mary Washington relied on its strength - its nation's best defense - to defeat pesky Hood College, 53-47, on Wednesday night at BB&T Arena in Frederick, Md. UMW improves to 22-0 on the season, and 13-0 in Capital Athletic Conference play.

On a night in which the Eagles shot just 33% from the floor (19-57), UMW limited Hood to 36% on 17-47 from the floor. The Blazers were aided by the strong long range shooting of Emily Maerz, who went 5-6 on three pointers en route to 20 points.

But in the end it was the Eagle defense, who forced 19 turnovers in the game, and the rebounding margin, in which UMW led, 42-35. Head Coach Deena Applebury was quick to turn to her depth on Wednesday, as senior Claire Brooks led UMW with nine points, while freshman Aubrey Howland added eight points and seven boards. Senior Katie Wimmer scored eight for the Eagles as well.

Mary Washington will return to action on Saturday when they visit second-place York College at 4:00 p.m. in a key Capital Athletic Conference tilt.