The University of Mary Washington women's basketball team fell behind early before nearly completing a comeback in a 57-50 loss to Berry College on Saturday afternoon in Guilford, N.C.

The Eagles fell behind by 11 points at the end of the first half, 33-22, but came back in the second half -- tying the score with seven minutes to go -- before Berry would take the lead in the final seven minutes. Juliona Mabie led the way on offense for UMW as the freshman center scored 13 points on a 3-of-5 clip from the floor and seven free throws.

Both Elizabeth Barry and Rileigh Weaver both had eight points apiece, while Breana Valentine recorded seven points and two steals.

Mary Washington got off to a slow start as it trailed by eight points at the end of the first quarter, 14-6, but the offense picked up the pace in the second quarter by scoring 16 points on three baskets and 10 free throws. But in the third quarter, the Eagles began their march back as they were 4-of-9 from the floor and the defense held Berry to just eight points to pull a little closer, 41-35, at the end of the period.

In the fourth, the Eagles went on a 9-4 run to tie the score at 44 each with 7:20 to play. Then, Berry went on a 8-1 run to take the lead back, 52-45. But a 3-point basket from Megan Baxter and a layup from Valentine with two minutes to play brought the Eagles to within two points.

In the end, though, Mary Washington surrendered a 5-0 run as Berry would finish off the 57-50 performance.

All told, the Eagles were 15-of-46 from the floor (32.6%), which included a pair from treys. Too, UMW made 18 of its 24 free throws (75%). Mary Washington held Berry to just a 15-of-44 mark from the floor (34.1%), while out-rebounding the Vikings, 37-29. UMW also recorded five steals and a pair of blocks.

The Eagles are back in action on Sunday afternoon against Wisconsin-La Crosse in Guilford, N.C. Tip off is set for 1 p.m.