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Post-Match Press Conference:
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NORFOLK, Va. - The Old Dominion University women's basketball team fell to Davidson in the first round of the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) on Thursday evening at the Ted Constant Convocation Center, 82-73.
The Lady Monarchs were making their third appearance in the WNIT in the last four seasons and 20th postseason appearance in the last 22 seasons. Old Dominion ends the season at 19-12 overall and finished in fourth place in the CAA. The Lady Monarchs added eight wins to their total from a year ago while going 9-4 in non-conference action.
Sophomore Shae Kelley tied her career-high with 21 points while adding six rebounds, three steals, and an assist. It was the eighth straight game that Kelley scored in double figures and the 22nd time overall this season while recording her fourth game of 20 points or more on the year.
Davidson (22-12) used a 57-34 rebounding advantage and 27 points and 11 rebounds from two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year Sophia Aleksandravicius to power their way to victory.
The Lady Monarchs jumped out to an early lead and held a 25-24 advantage with 9:44 remaining in the first half but the Wildcats closed on a 17-4 run to take a 41-29 lead into halftime.
Old Dominion was able to close the gap on a few occasions but could get no closer than nine points in the second half despite forcing 19 Wildcat turnovers in the contest. Davidson shot 44.6 percent (29-for-65) while the Lady Monarchs were at 40.8 percent (29-for-71).
ODU had a 14-4 fast break advantage and collected 11 steals as junior Stephanie Gardner tallied 15 points and set a career-high with three steals while matching her career high in assists with four. Freshman Galaisha Goodhope registered a new career high with eight rebounds to go with 11 points and five assists and a steal.
For the Wildcats, Dakota Dukes scored 15 points and added seven rebounds with four assists while Laura Murray chipped in 16 points, four assists and seven rebounds.
Davidson advances to play Charlotte in the second round of the WNIT this weekend.
Follow Old Dominion women's basketball on Twitter at twitter.com/ODUWBB and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/LadyMonarchsWBB.