Roanoke, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg women's basketball team secured a 54-52 victory on the road against Hollins on Wednesday night, owning the advantage for more than 30 minutes of game time and holding off a late charge to earn the win.

The Hornets (12-10, 5-8 ODAC) held a slight two-point edge against Hollins (14-8, 6-7) with 2:07 to go. Although the score was tight for the remainder of the contest, including a one-point difference with seven seconds to go following a bucket in the paint from Noelani Carter, Lynchburg never lost the lead. A stout defensive stand in the final minutes and key makes from the charity stripe allowed Lynchburg to hold on for the victory. The Hornets hit five-for-eight from the free throw line in the last minute of game time to hold the advantage.

The Hornets set the tone against HU in the first period. After Hollins opened the game on a 6-2 run in the first 2:12 of action, Lynchburg responded by holding HU to just three points the rest of the period and finishing the first quarter with a 15-9 advantage. Audra Petty was active on the glass and around the rim in the opening period, scoring nine points and grabbing three rebounds. Bree Spainhour was a key contributor on both ends as well with six points and three boards in the frame.

Hollins responded in the second quarter, outscoring Lynchburg 14-11 to cut the deficit to 26-23 at halftime. Petty led the Hornets with 11 first-half points, while Spainhour added eight points and six rebounds. Brooke Cason helped as a facilitator and defender with four assists, three blocks and one steal in the opening half.

Lynchburg delivered a key stretch in the third quarter, outscoring Hollins 14-11 to extend the edge to 40-34. The fourth quarter proved competitive, as Hollins scored 18 points and trimmed the deficit to two in the final minute and one with seven seconds left, but Lynchburg prevailed with its success defensively and at the foul line.

Spainhour took control in the paint, finishing the game with 12 points and 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Petty added 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Cason contributed seven points, seven boards, five assists, three blocks, and three steals. Lynchburg finished the game shooting .360 percent from the field and forced 16 Hollins turnovers while holding onto the lead for 31:05 of game time.

The women's basketball team hits the hardwood once again this weekend, taking a trip to Danville, Va. to square off against Averett on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.

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