(LEBANON, Ill., Jan. 23)—The McKendree College women’s basketball team was defeated Tuesday at home in non-conference play by Brescia University, 60-49.

 

McKendree lost for the third time in its last four games to drop to 11-8 on the season. Brescia posted its first win in Lebanon since to 2003-04 season to improve to 12-12 overall.

 

Senior forward Emily Hart (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) (Columbia, Ill./Columbia) led a balanced attack for McKendree with 12 points, while junior forwards Suzy Gerler (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) (Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central) and Heather Elders (Energy, Ill./Herrin) (Energy, Ill./Herrin) each chipped in with 10 points. Hart and sophomore forward Emily Best (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) (Worden, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) led the Bearcats with six rebounds each.

 

McKendree jumped out to a quick 4-0 advantage before Brescia took the lead for good by scoring the next 15 points. The Bearcats were held without a point for more than seven minutes during Brescia’s decisive spurt. Brescia commanded a 30-20 lead at the half, then shot 6-of-10 from three-point range to hold on for the win. For the game, Brescia made 11-of-22 shots from beyond the arc.

 

Jennifer Patrick led Brescia with 12 points, while Paula Carver connected for 11 points and Megan McGrath had 10.

 

McKendree will return to American Midwest Conference play Thursday at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. The contest will be carried live on www.riverbendsports.com.