ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – Stevenson women's basketball took an early lead but ultimately ended the game short in the last few seconds, 53-51, against the Seahawks of St. Mary's College on Wednesday evening.
 
Two opportunities from junior guard Jaidyn Harris, with one being a three- pointer, gave the Mustangs an early 5-3 lead in the opening quarter. Sophomore forward Tessa Boswell had the next two shots, maintaining the lead as the Seahawks climbed to eight points. First-year guard Elia Richardson added a three- pointer with 3:52 remaining, bringing the Mustangs to 11. In the middle of two free-throw series from junior guard Emori Jeselskis and Harris, Jeselskis added a layup in the paint to conclude the first quarter.
 
In the second period, despite the Seahawks scoring early with a three- pointer, a jumper and successful free throws, first-year guard Amoni Taylor answered with a layup on a fastbreak at 5:40. The Seahawks quickly tied the game 19-19 and then took the lead off a foul with free throws at 4:42 remaining. With halftime approaching, Boswell tightened the gap with a layup at 1:14 and a three- pointer in the final seconds of the half. At the break, the Mustangs trailed 26-24.
 
Starting the second half with a promising push, Boswell tied the game 26-26 in the opening minute. The Mustangs were able to maintain a close lead, with Boswell also securing a three-pointer at 7:48 to keep the lead as Harris followed with another three-pointer. In the following minutes, Harris made a layup with 5:47 remaining, Jeselskis hit a three pointer, and first-year forward Janie Smith added a pair to secure a 4-point lead. Following a jumper from Taylor, the team maintained their lead throughout the third as they finished ahead 43-38.
 
While the gap quickly closed in the final quarter, Taylor added another three- pointer at 8:07, keeping the game within four points. While the Mustangs allowed only one scoring chance from the Seahawks at 5:43 remaining, the gap closed to become a one-point 50-49 game following a Seahawks' three pointer. Sophomore forward Destiny Towns grabbed a fastbreak as the final minute approached. The Seahawks tied the game off a free throw series at 51-51. Despite last-minute Stevenson efforts as the time waned, a final Seahawk layup secured their lead, resulting in the 53-51 score.
 
Boswell and Harris were the score leaders of the game, adding 14 and 13 respectively. On rebounds, Towns led with 13, while also adding four points and two steals. Smith was also a key performer, adding nine points two steals and two blocks. Taylor and Jeselskis each added seven points in the near-victory.
 
The Mustangs stay on the road, as they travel the state to play the Washington College (MD) Shorewomen on Tuesday, Dec. 5 for a 7 p.m. game.