Winchester, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's basketball team took its talents on the road to square off against nationally-ranked Shenandoah and was defeated, 72-51, on Saturday afternoon at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center.

The Lynchburg Hornets (8-7, 1-5 ODAC) battled throughout the contest but was unable to recover from a strong opening quarter by the Shenandoah Hornets (13-2, 5-1), who shot .667 percent from the floor in the first 10 minutes to build a 23-13 lead. Though Lynchburg continued to attack and did not trail by more than 10 in the first quarter, Shenandoah maintained control throughout the contest, extending its advantage to as many as 28 points in the fourth quarter.

Bree Spainhour led the Hornets offensively, finishing with 12 points on four-of-seven shooting while adding four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Kate Littlejohn followed with nine points and three rebounds, while Audra Petty and Brooke Cason each chipped in six points. Kayla Sledge added five points off the bench, and Taylor Brown scored four points in limited minutes.

Lynchburg made 19-of-56 (.339 percent) from the field and went 10-of-14 at the free-throw line. Shenandoah owned a slight advantage on the glass with a 39-33 rebounding margin. Lynchburg recorded nine assists and forced 11 Shenandoah turnovers, converting those opportunities into 11 points.

Shenandoah was led by Addisyn Banks, who scored a game-high 26 points while adding eight rebounds and four steals. The SU Hornets finished the game having made 29-of-62 (.468 percent) field goals and 10-of-20 (.500 percent) from 3-point range.

Lynchburg trailed 39-27 at halftime and continued to battle in the second half, edging out Shenandoah in the fourth quarter with 13 points to SU's 11. The Hornets closed the game with a 7-0 scoring run in the final minute. 

The Lynchburg women's basketball team returns to the hardwood for a midweek matchup at Roanoke on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m.

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