Women's Basketball

SALISBURY, Md. - The Maggs Center was painted pink on Saturday afternoon as Salisbury University joined hundreds of other schools nationwide in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association "Think Pink" initiative to promote breast cancer awareness. In the process the SU women's basketball team defeated Capital Athletic Conference opponent Villa Julie College, 68-51, before a pink and enthusiastic crowd of 325.

The Sea Gulls (10-13, 7-7 CAC) dominated in the first half as they added to a 16-8 lead with a 20-0 run midway through the opening half to break open the game. For only the second time this season the Sea Gulls held an opponent to 16 points for the first half as Salisbury led 43-16 at the intermission.

Salisbury had three players reach double digits in the win, led by junior Monica Merkel's 19 points and five rebounds. Junior guard Lindsay Martin dropped in 13 points and made four steals while sophomore Shaniece Roseborough came off the bench to make a strong 13-point contribution. Roseborough made game-highs in steals (six) and assists (five). It was also a special day for senior Christina Klamp (two points, six rebounds) as the forward made her final start at home for the maroon and gold on Senior Day.

The Mustangs (7-16, 4-10 CAC) were led by forwards Ashley Burrell (15 points, six rebounds) and Kristen Steiner (11 points, five rebounds) as the Mustangs shot 36 percent from the floor for the game. VJC held an inside edge on Salisbury as the Mustangs outscored the Sea Gulls 26-18 in the paint.

Salisbury shot 30-for-75 from the floor (40 percent) as the Sea Gulls recorded their third highest field goal attempts (75) this season.  The Sea Gulls are now 4-3 when they take over 70 shot attempts a game. The Sea Gulls scored 26 points off 22 Mustang turnovers and held a 21-8 bench advantage over VJC.

The maroon and gold will close out their regular-season schedule this week with two CAC road contests. Salisbury will travel to Marymount (Va.) University on Wednesday, February 20, at 6 p.m. followed by a trip to Frederick, Md., next Saturday (February 23) to face Hood College.