King's Point, NY - The University of Mount Saint Vincent's women's basketball team closed out their season series against the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Tuesday evening, dropping the contest to the Mariners by the score of 65-60. The two sides finish the home and home series with the host institution as victors, as the Dolphins walked away with a 62-35 win back on January 4. The loss dropped UMSV to 10-4 against the conference, but the team remains in the third place spot as playoffs near. 

The two sides battled tightly throughout, with no lead reaching double figures. The majority of the action was just a one possession game as well. The Dolphins struggled from the floor, shooting just 31% from the floor and 24% from three, but their defense kept them in the contest. UMSV caused 10 turnovers in 40 minutes, with Kira Villegas, JaKaia Lotz and Magan Jackson each swiping steals from the Mariners. 

Speaking of Jackson, she continued her strong offensive season on Tuesday night. The sophomore led the way with 19 points on 50% shooting, upping her average to 15.1 in 19 games. Fellow transfer sophomore Ariella Johnson also finished in double figure with 13 points of her own while also chipping in five rebounds, an assist and a block. 

Senior Kayla Hanley added nine points to go along with a team-best eight boards while remaining in the starting lineup, all the while graduate student Kira Villegas chipped in nine points, five rebounds and a pair of blocks. 

The Dolphins look to return to the win column in front of their alumni this coming Saturday against Purchase College.