ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Gallaudet University women's basketball team began the new year here Saturday afternoon and lost 63-49 to Cedar Crest College in a United East conference game.

Gallaudet (1-9, 0-2 United East) kept pace in second-chance points and drained three 3-pointers in the opening quarter to grab a 14-13 edge.

Strong free-throw shooting helped the Bison maintain momentum as the buff and blue made eight free throws out of 12 attempts to secure a 28-26 halftime advantage.

Cedar Crest (6-6, 1-2 United East) opened the third quarter with a 10–0 run to take an eight-point lead before sophomore guard/forward Mackenzie Schirg (Factoryville, Pa.) halted the surge with a layup followed by a 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 36-33 with 3:11 remaining. The Falcons stayed hot by forcing eight turnovers and limited the Bison's scoring opportunities, taking a 46-39 lead into the end of the third quarter.

GU's offense stalled in the fourth quarter, shooting 21.4 percent (3-for-14), which allowed Cedar Crest to control the period and secure the 14-point win.

Schirg led the Bison with 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, her fourth career double-double, and added three steals. Sophomore forward Sophia Wascher (Noblesville, Ind.) added 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds. First-year forward/center Kayla Debrow (Jacksonsville, Fla.) recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Falcons were led by Ella Bincarosky's 24 points, while Merchant Samora posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Analise Rios recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.

UP NEXT
Gallaudet will return home to play Notre Dame of Maryland University (5-6, 2-0 United East) this Wednesday, Jan. 7, for a 7 p.m. conference game.