PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a game defined by determination and grit, the Felician University women's basketball team mounted a valiant effort but fell just short in a 59-56 loss to Jefferson University on Saturday afternoon at the Gallagher Athletic Center.

After trailing early, the Golden Falcons rallied in the second and fourth quarters, showing incredible poise under pressure. Despite closing the gap in the final minutes, Felician was unable to overtake Jefferson, dropping to 6-10 overall and 1-3 in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) play. Jefferson improved to 7-5 overall and 2-2 in the CACC.

Senior forward Ane Valle led Felician with a stellar double-double, scoring a game-high 20 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Natalia Lucic was equally impactful, contributing 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Stephanie Formby came off the bench with energy, adding 13 points and six rebounds to keep the Golden Falcons in the fight.

Jefferson's Cassie Murphy paced the Rams with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Emma Kuczynski added 16 points, including two pivotal three-pointers. Jefferson's defensive efforts and timely scoring in the third quarter proved to be the difference.

Felician dominated inside, scoring 34 points in the paint compared to Jefferson's 20, and forced 17 turnovers, converting them into 16 points. The Golden Falcons showed resilience in the fourth quarter, shooting an impressive 83.3% from the field, but Jefferson's third-quarter surge and timely defensive stops ultimately proved decisive.

The Golden Falcons will aim to bounce back on Tuesday, January 14, when they travel to face Post University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.