SWARTHMORE, Pa. — The Washington and Lee women's basketball team claimed its first in-season tournament title since the 1997-98 season with a 52-45 win over Swarthmore in the championship game.

The Generals led by as much as six in the opening half, taking a 12-6 lead with 14:23 to play, but the Garnet responded and led by three, 26-23, at the half.

SC extended the lead to five, 28-23, in the second half, but W&L countered with a 13-3 run, capped off by a three-pointer by junior forward Kristen Krouchick (Holland, Pa./Nazareth Academy) to take a 38-31 advantage with 8:08 to play in the contest. Swarthmore would cut the Generals' lead to one, 40-39, with 3:18 left, yet could not get any closer as W&L pulled away for the seven point win.

The Generals (2-0) were led by Krouchick, who scored 18 points and notched six rebounds en route to being named tournament MVP. She was joined on the all-tournament team by sophomore guard Bethany Ridenhour (Westwood, N.J./Holy Angels), who tallied 10 points, three rebounds and three steals. Senior center Jessica Hunsinger (Mayer, Ariz./Orme School) added 12 points and seven rebounds.

The Garnet (1-1) were led by Karen Berk's double-double of 11 points and fifteen rebounds. Pamela Costello also had eight points and nine rebounds for SC.

The Generals return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Newport News Apprentice for a 5:30 pm contest.

— GENERALS --