WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University women's basketball team was determined to pick up a win here on Saturday afternoon but were defeated by North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) powerhouse Lancaster Bible College, 61-54, on alumni day.

From the get go, the Bison (2-18, 2-14 NEAC) came out charged up and played hard against the top team in the NEAC. Gallaudet never allowed Lancaster Bible (14-5, 13-1 NEAC) to build a substantial lead as the Bison fought hard to keep the game within reach. GU went into halftime only down two points, 30-28.

After one of Gallaudet's starting five left the game at the end of the third quarter with an injury it looked like the Bison were in trouble.

However, GU refused to quit.

With 10 seconds left in regulation, junior guard Tuesdae Dunklin (Gardendale, Ala.) was sent to the free throw line with a 1-and-1 opportunity to cut the Chargers lead to one possession. Dunklin's first shot rang off the iron and LBC's Kaylee Boger snagged the rebound to lock in another victory for the top team in the conference.

Gallaudet's post players led the fight for the Bison. Junior forward Kelsey Hudson (Blissfield, Mich.) racked up 16 points, 16 rebounds and four assists while sophomore forward Kelli Barnes (Cliffside, N.C.) added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Bison.

LBC was led by Caitlin Hickey who netted 15 points and collected six rebounds. Courtney Goyak made her presence known down low, as she hauled in 21 rebounds and 11 points.

BISON TRACKS

• Freshman guard Jakkisha Smith (Dallas, Texas) was limited to only 18 minutes as she scored eight points, seven rebounds and three steals
• Junior forward Lawjen Ashmore (Fairbanks, Alaska.) added seven points and seven rebounds for the Bison
• Junior guard Kori Koss (Delavan, Wis.) had six points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals
• Gallaudet outscored LBC in the paint, 34-30
• GU out-rebounded LBC by 16 (54-38)
• The Bison outhustled the Chargers on the fast break with 14 points scored in transition

UP NEXT
The Bison take the court tomorrow (Sunday, Feb. 5) at noon when they welcome Penn St.-Berks (5-11, 5-9 NEAC) to the Field House for a NEAC South Division bout.