WILLIAMSBURG — A double-double from Natalie Fox was not enough as William & Mary fell to Hampton 59-49 on Friday night at Kaplan Arena in CAA action.
William & Mary (8-8, 1-4 CAA) started strong with a series of fast-break plays, including a layup by Monet Dance just seconds into the game. The home team capitalized on turnovers and scored consistently in the paint, with Natalie Fox contributing multiple layups. The Tribe established a solid lead through the middle of the quarter, reaching a 10-point advantage at 12-2.
Despite a late push by Hampton (8-8, 2-2), cutting the lead with a 3-pointer by Kayla Lezama, the Green and Gold maintained their edge. The quarter concluded with W&M ahead 16-14.
The Tribe faced a challenging second quarter as the Pirates quickly shifted momentum with a series of successful plays. Hampton took the lead at 8:50 with a fast-break jumper and maintained pressure through a series of turnovers and quick points, including a three-pointer by Kiarra Mcelrath at 8:12. Despite difficulties, W&M managed to score with a layup by Alexa Mikeska at 6:56 and a tip-in from Fox at 0:53, but they struggled to counter Hampton’s offensive push. Hampton led 30-22 at half.
The Tribe struggled to shift momentum during the third quarter, despite key contributions from Fox. The sophomore scored two free throws and added a layup, keeping the Tribe competitive. Dance also contributed with a layup and a late free throw to help close the score gap. However, the Pirates maintained their lead with effective shooting, particularly from Mcelrath and Olivia Smith, who combined for three 3-pointers. The quarter ended with W&M trailing, 44-31.
Dance opened the fourth quarter for the Tribe with a three-pointer at 9:28, assisted by Mikeska, narrowing the Pirates’ lead. Fox contributed with a critical tip-in at the 8:00 mark, capitalizing on an offensive rebound to keep the pressure on the visitors.
Despite William & Mary’s efforts in the paint, in which they out-scored Hampton 34-14, the Tribe was unable to close the gap as it got no closer than 10 for the rest of the game.
STAT NUGGETS
- Fox led W&M with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
- Dance added 10 points and five assists.
- Mikeska had three steals, three assists, and five rebounds.
