The narrative in each of Coach Erin Dickerson-Davis’ first three seasons as head coach has followed a similar arc.
William & Mary has entered each season with energy and enthusiasm, only to post what might be considered a disappointing record in the non-conference slate. But the Tribe has turned it around in Coastal Athletic Association play, finishing 12-6 in the league both years.
If the 2024-25 season adheres to the same template, it may be the most dramatic of the bunch, after posting a 3-8 non-league record. But the Tribe looks well on its way to flipping the script yet again as a 78-55 thrashing of UNCW pushed W&M to 4-2 in the CAA, tied for third in the league with Campbell, Hofstra and Drexel.
The Tribe has had some struggles scoring the ball at times this year, but that would not be the case Friday.
Aside from a 0-for-6 stretch from the field in the middle of the first quarter, the Tribe got off to a quick offensive start, with contributions up and down the lineup. Tika Sallman outscored her average in the first quarter alone, with six points in the last two minutes to take W&M from a 16-14 deficit to a 20-16 lead at the end of the period. Sallman ended with 18 points, her second-highest total of the season, as well as nine boards.
But it was the team’s defensive pressure and willingness to push in transition that started to open things up in the second quarter.
After UNCW opened the frame’s scoring, the Tribe went on an extended 20-2 run, pushing its lead to 40-20 with 2:49 left in the half. Kayla Rolph added three of her 13 points a moment later to make it 43-22, the Tribe’s biggest lead of the game to that point. W&M forced four turnovers and held the Seahawks to 23.5 percent shooting in the quarter.
The Tribe coasted from there, turning down the defensive urgency but doing just enough on both ends to keep it comfortable. Though they turned it over nine times in the half, W&M shot 11-of-14 from the line in the final 20 minutes and held the Seahawks to just 35.5 percent from the field.
W&M will have an opportunity to go to 5-2 in the CAA on Sunday, as it takes on Towson in the annual Gold Rush game. Every game has importance in the league, but especially so in a 14-team conglomeration; entering Friday, there were eight (!) teams with three conference wins, including the Tribe.
But with the way W&M has started to play, they should be confident moving forward in CAA competition.