Philadelphia, PA. - A slow start proved costly as the Felician women's basketball team fell on the road to Jefferson, 59-52, Saturday afternoon.
Jefferson opened the game on a 20-4 run in the first quarter, holding Felician scoreless for the first five minutes and building a 16-point advantage after one. The Golden Falcons settled in offensively over the next three quarters and outscored Jefferson 48-39 the rest of the way, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
Felician shortened Jefferson's lead to 10 at halftime and continued to chip away in the third quarter behind improved shooting and defensive pressure. The Golden Falcons cut the lead to as few as a two points midway through the fourth quarter.
Ane Valle led Felician with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Stephanie Formby added eight points, six rebounds, and three assists, as
Katherine Ritchie contributed eight points and a team-high eight rebounds off the bench. McKenzie Palek chipped in seven points, including a key third-quarter three-pointer.
The Golden Falcons shot 35.7 percent from the field and forced 20 Jefferson turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The team also held a 16-4 advantage in fast break points.
Felician moves to 13-5 overall. The team will visit Caldwell on Wednesday for a 5:00 PM tip off.
