(Chestertown, Md.) – The Dickinson women's basketball team played even with host Washington College for the better part of the game, but a strong second half run led the Shorewomen to a 61-45 win on Tuesday afternoon.

The Shorewomen took an early lead in a low scoring first half, pulling in front 8-3 in the opening five minutes of the contest. The Devils answered to tie the game, 10-10, with just under 12 minutes to play in the half.

The Devils kept the run going, outscoring the hosts, 11-2, to hold a 14-10 advantage at the 11:06 mark. Washington tied the game and the score remained within two points for the final nine minutes of the half.

After the break, the Shorewomen found a spark, using an 18-5 run to take control of the game with a 40-27 lead at the 11:44 mark.

Senior Belma Mekic (Sarajevo, Bosnia/Cedar Cliff, Pa.) knocked-down a three-pointer to trigger a run for the Red Devils. Classmate Dana Walsh (Malvern, Pa./Great Valley) collected an offensive rebound and scored to cut the deficit to, 40-35, with 8:17 remaining in the game.

A 7-1 stint put the hosts back in front by 11, 47-36, just two minutes later. Dickinson would come no closer than eight points in the final minutes as Washington held on for a 61-45 final.

Mekic led the Red Devils with 15 points and nine rebounds, adding four assists and three steals on the day. Bridget Borgese (Swarthmore, Pa./Notre Dame de Namur) reached double-figures as well with 11 points, recording eight rebounds and three steals.

Sophomore Sarah Phillips (West Amwell, N.J./South Hunterdon) chipped in with nine points and four rebounds while Walsh finished with five rebounds, four points and three steals.

Ashley Espinoza led Washington (7-6, 5-3 CC) with a game-high 19 points while Emily Hubley added 10 points and made nine steals. Latisha Pledger led the Shorewomen with a game-high 12 rebounds.

The Red Devils slip to 7-4 overall and 3-4 in the Centennial Conference. They return home to face Haverford College on Thursday night at 7:00 pm.