VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Shenandoah University women's basketball team earned its first-ever victory over Virginia Wesleyan Thursday evening with a 59-56 ODAC triumph over the Marlins.

Shenandoah (7-9, 4-3 ODAC) led 26-21 at the break but then had to hold on as VWC (11-5, 5-2) stepped up the pressure in the second.

The Marlins, using a full court press for the final 10 minutes, forced a host of SU turnovers and were able to cut a seven-point deficit to one point on two occasions, but could not come all the way back.

Sophomore Imani Heggins, playing before a bevy of family and friends in her return to the Hampton Roads region, hit back-breaking layups at 25 and 4 seconds to provide the Hornets with the final margin of victory.

Trailing by three, 59-56, with 4.1 seconds left, VWC was able to get an excellent look at a game-tying 3-point attempt, but Kerri-Leanne Taylor's attempt from the wing rimmed out as time expired.

Shenandoah shot 49 percent to the Marlins 43 percent in the victory and saw Virginia Wesleyan commit 25 turnovers.

VWC dominated on the boards, 36-24, including a 25-5 bulge on the Hornets offensive end.

Junior Holly Chittenden had a co-game-high 18 points for the victors with Heggins adding 17.

Brittany Glasco had 18 and Nancy Kelly 14 for the hosts.

Coach C.K. Calhoun's club is back in action on Saturday at home in a 2:00 ODAC contest against Lynchburg.

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