Kings Point, NY - The women's basketball team aimed to build on their conference success on Wednesday night following a strong win against Old Westbury over the weekend. However, the Dolphins faced a tough challenge against an undefeated Merchant Marine squad, who showcased their dominance with a 74-54 victory. 

In the first quarter, UMSV put up a fight, proving they can compete with the top team in the Skyline Conference. The Mariners had just a six-point lead after the first ten minutes of action. Transfer Erin Smith led the way for the Dolphins in the second quarter, converting on three consecutive possessions and making the score 26-22. However, Merchant Marine responded with a dominant 15-point run giving them a comfortable 43-24 lead going into halftime. 

Though they trailed by 19 points, the Dolphins entered the third quarter determined. UMSV was able to cut the Mariners' lead to 11 as junior captain JaKaia Lotz scored five straight points followed by back-to-back baskets from Kayla Hanley, Ashley Marrocco, and Gretta Baker. The Mariners would go on to outscore the Dolphins in the fourth quarter 21-13, securing their win for a perfect conference record.

Smith led the Dolphins in scoring with 16 points, while also adding 3 steals and a pair of assists. Lotz finished the night with 11 points, 3 rebounds and two steals. Baker was the third Dolphin to finish in double-digits, putting up 10 points, along with grabbing 3 steals. Freshman Grace Kennedy led the Dolphins in rebounds with 6, while Hanley led in assists with 5. 

The Dolphins will look to bounce back this Saturday and finish the regular season on a high note in a conference showdown against Mount Saint Mary College. With the seniors taking the court in the Sharp Center one last time, the Dolphins will look to build momentum heading into the postseason.