Women's Basketball | 3/19/2026 11:32:00 PM

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore women’s basketball team made history Thursday night, securing its first-ever postseason victory with a commanding 59–48 win over Wake Forest in the opening round of the WNIT. The milestone victory also marks the program’s first win over a Power Five opponent.

The Hawks (20–14) showcased poise, resilience, and balance throughout the contest, closing the game on a dominant 14–0 run to silence the home crowd and advance to the second round.

Maryland Eastern Shore set the tone early, jumping out to an 8–4 lead behind strong play from Kaliya Perry and Ashanti Lynch. Despite Wake Forest briefly regaining the advantage, the Hawks remained composed, trailing just 14–12 at the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter proved to be a turning point, as UMES found its rhythm offensively. After falling behind 17–12, the Hawks responded with a surge fueled by Desi Taylor, who knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to swing the momentum. Dakieran Turner and Enola Papin added key contributions down the stretch, helping the Hawks take a 27–22 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Maryland Eastern Shore continued to apply pressure. Lynch sparked the third quarter with a quick five points, pushing the Hawks’ lead to double digits. Perry added crucial baskets throughout the frame, including a buzzer-beating jumper to give UMES a 40–35 edge heading into the final quarter.

Wake Forest mounted a challenge in the fourth, briefly reclaiming the lead at 48–45. However, the Hawks delivered their most decisive stretch of the night when it mattered most. Taylor drained a clutch three-pointer to tie the game, igniting a game-ending 14–0 run that sealed the historic victory.

Freshman standout Desi Taylor led the Hawks with 19 points, including five three-pointers, while fellow freshman Kaliya Perry recorded a dominant double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, along with four steals and a block.

Dakieran Turner controlled the glass with a game-high 16 rebounds, and Kalise Hill orchestrated the offense with 11 assists, guiding a balanced Hawks attack.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s impact was felt across the board, as the Hawks outrebounded Wake Forest 44–33, held the Demon Deacons’ bench scoreless, and knocked down seven three-pointers at a 39% clip.

With the win, the Hawks advance to the second round of the WNIT, where they will face Youngstown State on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. in Youngstown, Ohio.