The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team enjoyed an 18-0 run in the first half and cruised to a 55-39 victory over visiting Salisbury University Wednesday night at the William M. Anderson Center. The Eagles improve to 15-5 overall and 7-1 in CAC play.

The Eagles trailed 9-6 early in the first half before rattling off 18 straight points over an 11 minute span to take a commanding 24-18 lead into halftime. Sophomore guard Claire Haeuptle started the run with a three pointer to tie the score at nine, and sophomore guard Amanda Witmer closed it with a three of her own to push the Eagles lead to 24-9 with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Mary Washington's defense held the Sea Gulls to just 24% shooting in the first half while forcing six Salisbury turnovers.

The Eagles gradually built the lead to 21 at 52-31 with 4:08 remaining, finishing with a 16-point win. The Eagles shot 40% from the floor (22-55), making 5-13 three pointers. The Sea Gulls shot 29% (16-55), and the Eagles held a 47-30 advantage in rebounding.

Mary Washington was led in scoring by Haeuplte's career high 15 points, including 2-2 from behind the three-point arc. Senior center Carol Dye added 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Eagles, who outrebounded Salisbury 47-30 for the game and dominated the offensive glass, while sophomore guard Erin Drumheller had six assists.

With the victory the Eagles remain in a tie atop the Capital Athletic Conference standings with Marymount University, who will travel to Fredericksburg Saturday for a 1 PM game on the campus of Mary Washington. Wednesday's win pushes the Eagles overall record to 15-5 (7-1 CAC). The loss drops the Sea Gulls to 10-9 overall (4-3 CAC).