SALEM, Va. -- Junior forward Heather Phillips scored a game-high 23 points to lead second-seeded Virginia Wesleyan to a 73-62 victory over sixth-seeded Washington and Lee in the semifinals of the ODAC Women's Basketball Tournament on Saturday evening at the Salem Civic Center.

The Generals started strong and led 25-21 with 7:10 remaining in the first period, but the Marlins closed the half with an 18-4 run to assume a 39-29 lead at the break.

Virginia Wesleyan (21-6) extended its lead to 15 points (45-30) just over a minute into the second half and held a 51-38 advantage with 15:22 to play. However, W&L immediately went on an 11-0 run highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from junior forward Hayley James (Mt. Sidney, Va./Fort Defiance) to slice the VWC lead to 51-49 with 12:02 left. That would be as close as the Generals would get the rest of the way as a quick 9-0 run for the Marlins gave them a 60-49 lead with 7:50 remaining and they maintained a double-digit lead for much of the remaining time.

The Generals were led by junior forward Kristen Krouchick (Holland, Pa./Nazareth Academy), who tallied 14 points and six rebounds. Senior center Jessica Hunsinger (Mayer, Ariz./Orme School) totaled 12 points and seven rebounds, while junior guard Emily Wolff (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton) also posted 12 points. James chipped in 10 points and nine boards.

Phillips was joined in double-figures by junior guard Chelsey Barrett, who registered 10 points.

The loss ends Washington and Lee's season at 16-11 overall. The Generals bested the previous school-record win total by three games and won just their second ODAC Tournament contest in program history. Virginia Wesleyan will take on top-seeded Randolph-Macon in the ODAC Championship game on Sunday at 3:30 pm.

-- GENERALS --