LANCASTER, Pa.- The Franklin & Marshall women's basketball team was defeated by Mary Washington, 57-40, in its opening game of the 2022-23 season Tuesday evening in Mayser Center.

The Diplomats controlled the lead for the majority of the first half, but a strong second quarter helped propel Mary Washington over F&M the rest of the way.

F&M maintained the lead early, getting off to 15-7 lead in the first quarter. Ally Trevlev knocked down three free throws during a 7-3 start to the contest. Hope Schreiber nailed two more free throws, followed by Abby Meredith sinking a three-pointer to make it a 12-3 game.

After Natalie Kolb sank a three-pointer to start the second quarter, Mary Washington went on a 16-3 run to take a 25-21 lead with 2:10 remaining in the half. UMW took a 27-24 lead into the halftime break.

Jaclyn Feit made two free throws to pull within one to begin the second half, but that was the closest the Diplomats would come to tying the game.

Meredith led the Diplomats offensively with 13 points off the bench, shooting 55.6 percent (5-of-9) from the field and 50 percent (3-of-6) from beyond the arc. Kennedy Wilburn led the game in rebounds with 12 total. Feit nabbed seven rebounds and swatter five shots in the game. Lizzie Neville dished out five assists and tallied three steals.

The Diplomats return to Mayser Center Saturday to host the Terry Greene Tip-Off Tournament where F&M will face Penn State-Harrisburg at 3:00 p.m.