Middletown, Conn. - The Wesleyan University Women's basketball team (4-1) defeated the visiting Anna Maria Amcats (5-2) 76-51 thanks in part to Freshman Tara Berger's team high 24 points.

The Cardinals got off to a fast start as the scored the games first seven points. Anna Maria was able to get on the board with 7:21 left in the first quarter to bring the Cardinal lead down to five, which was the lowest the lead would be in the quarter. The Cardianals lead got to as high as 14 in the quarter at 18-4, and they closed out the quarter with a 20-11 lead. Senior Kaylie Williams lead the Cardinal's attack in the first quarter, scoring seven points. Berger netted six of her 24 points in the first quarter. 

Anna Maria began to chip away at the lead, but the Cardinals refused to let them get any closer than six points. The Cardinals shot 45.7% from the field in the first half. The Cardinals played excellent defense as Anna Maria shot only 24% from the field in the first half, and the Cardinals held them to 24 points, as Wesleyan went into the half leading 37-24. Junior Brenna Diggins grabbed six rebounds in the half and blocked three shots in the half. 

The Cardinals continued their scoring in the second half. They ended the third quarter leading 59-38 and went onto win 76-51.

For Anna Maria, Junior Deja Taitt played an excellent game as she scored 20 points and added three steals. Junior Christina Gauvin scored 10 points and also added three steals.

For the Cardianls, Williams added 17 points and eight rebounds, and Sophomore Maeve Vitale chipped in with 12 points. 

The Cardinals next play Sunday at 1p.m. as they take on RPI. Anna Maria plays tomorrow at 2p.m. against RPI.