SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.V. – The Mansfield University women's basketball team fell to Shepherd University, 91-53 in PSAC East action on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 29 inside Butcher Athletic Center.  

Sophomore Sydney Reed led the Mounties (3-20, 1-20 PSAC) with a career-high 15 points while knocking down 3-of-7 shots from three. Junior Kira Merritt was the other Mountie in double-figures, notching 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. Junior Paige Whitfield added eight and freshman Jasmine Hilton contributed nine points and five rebounds.

The Rams (19-8, 13-8 PSAC) shot 55 percent (33-of-60) from the floor compared to Mansfield's 30 percent (18-of-60) while scoring 18 points off turnovers. The Mounties matched the Rams production at the line with nine made free throws, but Shepherd drained eight more 3-pointers.

In the first quarter, the game remained tight, with Shepherd leading 10-9 through the opening five minutes. However, the Rams used a 5-0 run over the following two minutes to start to pull away. The Mounties defense stiffened and behind seven points from Reed and five from Merritt, the Mounties closed the gap to 22-19 heading into the second.  

In the second quarter, the Mounties were held scoreless until the 3:49 mark and the Rams countered with a 14-0 run to start to pull away. Shepherd ultimately outscored Mansfield, 30-6 in the period while shooting a red-hot 67 percent (20-of-20) from the floor to carry a 52-25 lead into the break.

The Mounties hung within three points in the third period (13-10) and eight points in the fourth (26-18), but the second quarter deficit proved insurmountable.

Anna Ross led the Rams with 30 points of 12-of-19 shooting.

The contest concludes the 2019-20 season for the Mounties.