HARRISONBURG, Va. - Mary Baldwin watched a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead evaporate Thursday evening, but the Fighting Squirrels regrouped in the closing minutes to defeat Eastern Mennonite, 54-47, in non-conference women's basketball action. The win was the third straight to start the season for MBU.

First-year guard Mekayla Clarke scored on a driving laup at the 9:18 mark of the fourth quarter to give MBU its largest lead of the game, 43-28.

The Royals then caught fire at the offensive end, stunning the Squirrels with a 17-0 run to take a 45-43 lead with 5:05 left in the game. Mary Baldwin then answered with a 9-0 spurt to regain the upper hand. 

Mya Coleman knocked down a short jumper with 3:51 on the clock to pull MBU even at 45-45. A'Cetta Farrait then followed with a bucket to put the Squirrels back on top 47-45 with 3:25 left. The scored stayed that way until Demet Saygili swished a long 3-pointer for a 50-45 MBU lead with just 1:55 reamining. Coleman capped the 9-0 spurt with a layup, giving the Squirrels a 52-45 advantage.

Jalen Gathers scored 11 points to go along with seven rebounds and teammate Hannah Varner scored 11 poins and grabbed six boards to lead the Squirrels. Coleman came of the bench to add nine points.

MBU returns to action Sunday afternoon with a home contest against Ferrum College.