SALISBURY, Md. – A final burst from the Eagles of the University of Mary Washington handed the Salisbury University women's basketball team its first Capital Athletic Conference loss, 74-60, on Saturday.

Salisbury (7-7, 2-1 CAC) fell behind, 23-6, before tightening up on defense with 9:30 to play, causing five Eagle turnovers in a span of six-and-a-half minutes, going on a 14-4 run. Back-to-back baskets by senior forward Katie McGahagan and sophomore guard Courtney McManus set the fuse as freshman forward Julia McLaughlin came up with four consecutive steals. McLaughlin hit a jumper, hit a pair layups and added an assist as sophomore point guard Anna Hackett hit two to bring the score to 25-18.

Mary Washington (10-5, 3-1) hit a jumper by Carol Dye before McManus picked up SU's fifth steal. McManus hit sophomore point guard Maggie King, whose long distance three pushed the Sea Gulls within six, 27-21.

Salisbury would come within five with 3:14 remaining in the half, entering halftime down, 39-28.

In the second half, SU would have its chances coming within one, 44-43, as King went 2-for-2 at the free-throw line with 11 minutes to play.

The contest remained close as Hackett hit a jumper in the paint with seven minutes to go to pull within one once more, 50-49. Hacktett's jumper was followed by a three from Mary Washington's Sam Partonen, which changed the game's momentum as the Eagles earned the win.

Hackett led the team with 14 points while King put up 13 points with five steals and one assist. McLaughlin went 5-for-12 from the floor for 12 points and six steals.

For the Eagles, Partonen went 3-for-6 on shots behind the arc, for 17 points. Mary Washington shot 50 percent for the game.

Salisbury will return to action at home on Jan. 16, taking on CAC opponent Wesley College at 5:30 p.m.