Score: The Sage Colleges 66, Elmira College 60
Records: Elmira (4-6, 0-2 E8), Sage (6-5, 1-1 E8)
Location: Kahl Gym - Albany, N.Y.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Despite holding the edge at halftime, the Elmira College women's basketball team couldn't fend off the feisty Gators of the Sage Colleges in Empire 8 Conference action on Saturday afternoon, falling by a narrow 66-60 margin.

Despite holding a lead for the majority of the contest, the Soaring Eagles couldn't overcome a 30-point fourth quarter from the Gators who stole the victory on their home floor. Lindsey Heaton '19 paced EC's offense once again, as the senior dropped a game-high 20 points and added eight boards. Fellow senior, Rachel Vespucci '19, finished with nine points and eight rebounds.

The first half was a back and forth affair as both sides traded blows throughout the opening 20 minutes. Sage claimed an early lead, but EC was able to battle back in the second quarter, seizing the lead after Vespucci finished through a foul with 1:29 left on the clock. Bridget Yaw '20 preserved EC's lead at 28-27 heading into the halftime break. 

The Purple and Gold pounced on the Gators to open the third quarter, as EC poured in 13 points while holding Sage scoreless for the opening 7:11 of play. Heaton punctuated the barrage with an easy lay-in to put Elmira up 41-27. However, the Gators were able to whittle the Soaring Eagles' lead down to nine heading into the final quarter of regulation.

Despite holding the Gators to nine points in the third quarter, Elmira couldn't replicate its defensive performance in the final quarter, as Sage staged a comeback. The Gators offense exploded for 30 points, while Elmira was held to 15. The Soaring Eagles battled Sage the entire way, but the Gators seized the lead with 2:03 and never looked back, as they edged EC 66-60.

News and Notes

• Elmira outrebounded Sage, 52-49.
• The Soaring Eagles were dominant in the paint, outscoring Sage 38-26 in the post.
• EC tallied a season-best eight blocks.
• Heaton's 20 points were a season-high.

Up Next
The Soaring Eagles are back in action on Monday, January 7, when they battle Keuka College on the road in non-conference action. Tip-off against the Wolves is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.