WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS IN HOME OPENER TO STERLING

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Hot shooting and a strong first and third quarter were not enough as Avila fell to the KCAC's No. 1 team, Sterling, on Saturday afternoon, 73-65.

The Eagles had their best opening quarter of the season on Saturday, shooting 64 percent from the field and knocking down five shots from behind the arc. After 10 minutes, Avila led 24-19.

Avila could not carry the momentum into the second quarter however. Cold shooting in the second had Avila trailing by one, 35-34, at halftime.

Kathleen Stanley had 12 points in the first half, hitting four shots from three-point range.

A hot third quarter helped the Eagles keep the game close early in the second half. Avila knocked down 62 percent of its shots in the third quarter, including going 3-of-6 from three and took a 53-51 lead into the fourth quarter.

Showing why they are the top team in the conference, Sterling took control in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Avila by 10 and taking the game, 73-65.

Avila knocked down a season-high 12 three-pointers but it was not enough as the team continues its quest for the first win of the season.

The Eagles were led in scoring by Marlie Wright's 16 points. Stanley (14) and Madilyn Melton (13) joined Wright as Avila's other double-digit scorers.

Avila's next regular season game is December 4 as they travel to Oklahoma Wesleyan at 5:30 PM.