SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University women's basketball team led virtually the entire first period on Saturday afternoon, but the University of Mary Washington used a strong second quarter to build a lead it would keep the rest of the game, as the Sea Gulls fell, 79-53 in Capital Athletic Conference action.

Salisbury started the contest on a 5-2 spurt, led by a three pointer from sophomore Mary McDonagh on the right side.

After two free throws from Mary Washington's Sarah Listenbee put the score at 5-4, the Sea Gulls built a 9-6 advantage, led by four points from freshman Kaylyn French, including a long jumper from the right side.

Salisbury was able to hold on to the lead for the next five minutes, until a layup from Brianne Comden put Mary Washington up 16-15 less than 30 seconds into the second quarter.

The opening basket by Comden sparked an 8-0 run for the Eagles; Comden notched six of the eight points during the span.

The Sea Gulls battled back with a 5-1 run to get the score to 23-20, led by a three ball from junior Lauren Rothfeld in front of the Mary Washington bench. But the Eagles would answer with 10-2 run that lasted almost three minutes to make the score 33-22. Mary Washington buried two three pointers during the stretch.

French led Salisbury on a 4-2 run that got the Gulls within nine points with just over a minute to go until halftime, before the Eagles closed out the second on a 6-0 spurt.

Mary Washington's hot streak on offense continued in the third quarter; the Eagles opened the period on a 21-6 run that put the score at 62-32. Listenbee tallied six points during the spurt.

From then on, Mary Washington would stay ahead, closing out the game, 79-53.

Senior Julia McLaughlin finished with a team-high 10 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists and two steals, and French scored nine points in the contest. Rothfeld notched seven points, four rebounds and three steals, while sophomore Morgan Grubb and McDonagh each finished with six points.

Salisbury will take on Wesley College for another home game at Maggs Physical Activities Center on Wednesday, February 10. That game is set for 5:30 p.m.