LEXINGTON, Va. -- Freshman forward Sarah Michaels (Norfolk, Va./Norfolk Academy) tied a career-high with 19 points to lead Washington and Lee to a 56-55 victory over Virginia Wesleyan in ODAC women's basketball action on Wednesday evening in the Warner Center.

Virginia Wesleyan (11-11, 11-8) held a 27-23 first-half lead, thanks in part to seven points from freshman center Tomorrow Lofton (Richmond, Va./J.R. Tucker).

The second half was tightly contested throughout as either team held no more than a four-point lead. After a made free throw by VWC sophomore forward Angelique Cavanaugh (Charlottesville, Va./Charlottesville) with 1:26 to play, the Blue Marlins led 51-49.

Michaels then tied the game with two free throws at the 1:06 mark and put the Generals ahead, 54-51, with a three-pointer from the top of the key. Lofton then converted 1-of-2 free throws with 21 seconds remaining to close the lead to two.

Junior guard Alison Kudlacik (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) hit both of her foul shots with 18 seconds left to bring the W&L lead to 56-52; however, freshman guard Devin Allen (Machipongo, Va./Northampton) drilled a trey seven seconds later to cut the lead to 56-55.

Junior forward Jessica Mentz (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) was fouled with five seconds left, but missed the front end of a one-and-one. Lofton rebounded the miss and fired a pass downcourt to Allen, whose shot came up short and Washington and Lee (8-14, 6-12) came away with the one-point victory.

W&L was led by Michaels, who added four rebounds in 19 minutes of play, and Mentz who tallied 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Junior center Megan Babst (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel) fouled out after only 24 minutes, but added nine points and seven boards.

VWC was led by Lofton and Allen who scored 12 points each. Lofton also added 10 rebounds, while Cavanaugh chipped in seven points and eight boards.

Washington and Lee will return to action on Saturday as it hosts Hollins in a 2:00 pm contest.

-- GENERALS --