OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Stevenson women's basketball team was outscored 24-12 in the final period as Lebanon Valley erased an eight point lead en route to a 59-53 MAC Commonwealth victory Wednesday at Owings Mills Gymnasium.

With the win, the Dutchmen (15-7, 9-4 MAC Commonwealth) tied the Mustangs for second in the conference.  A win on Saturday against No. 12 Albright, Stevenson (12-8, 9-4 MAC Commonwealth) would regain sole possession of second place.

Junior Sara Tarbert scored the first nine points of the game off of three layups and a three pointer to give the Mustangs an early lead.  After a layup by freshman Armani Duckett-Mooney pushed Stevenson's lead to 11, Lebanon Valley scored their first basket of the game with 4:48 to play in the first. 

The hosts were able to extend their lead to 14 after a deep three from junior Haley Bauer, but Lebanon Valley's Alexandria Lehman responded with a jumper.  Both teams were held scoreless for 1:02 until senior Caitlin Roy was fouled shooting a three pointer with one second left.  Roy made all three from the foul line, giving the Mustangs a 23-8 advantage at the end of the first.

Stevenson shot 60 percent from the floor, holding the Dutchmen to 36.4 percent.

Lebanon Valley opened up the second period on a 4-0 run, cutting their deficit to 11.  Over the next three minutes of play, the teams traded baskets before Lebanon Valley got within nine with 5:07 to play in the second period. A free throw from Tarbert gave the hosts another double digit lead, but the guests closed the half on a 7-1 run to get within 31-27 entering halftime.

At the half, the Dutchmen held an advantage in shooting percentage as they finished 52.4 percent, compared to 46.2 percent for the hosts.  

Both teams battled in the third period, but Stevenson never let go of their lead.  The Dutchmen got to within two points with 5:25 to play after a jump shot from Lexie Lantz, but the Mustangs closed the period on a 6-2 run.  The run was highlighted by a block from Bauer and steals from sophomore Imani Sanders, Tarbert, and Martinez.

The Dutchmen chipped away in the final period of play, as they went on a 9-2 run to take their first lead of the game, 49-47, with 3:49 to play in regulation. The run included two three pointers from Taylor Umbrell.  Tarbert would connect with Roy for a layup, but four points from Lexie Lantz would give the guests a four point advantage with 1:47 to play.

After a Lebanon Valley free throw, Tarbert finished a layup with 21.2 seconds to play, making it a one-score game, 54-51.  The Mustangs were forced to foul in the waning seconds as the Dutchmen extended their lead and delivered Stevenson their second-straight loss.

Tarbert finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists while Roy added nine points and eight rebounds.  

The Mustangs return to action when they face the Lions in a MAC Commonwealth contest Saturday beginning at 4:00 p.m.