LAKE WALES, Fla. - In their first home game in nearly two months, Warner University women's basketball team closed out 2014 with a ­­85-73 loss against Husson University (Maine) on Wednesday afternoon in the Turner Athletic Center.  The Lady Royals are now 3-5 heading into the New Year while the Eagles are 4-4.

The Lady Royals had to shake off the rust in their first game in 17 days against the Eagles.  The Lady Royals missed on their first five shots and trailed 10-1 after the first five minutes of action.  Baylie Bridges gave Warner their first field goal of the game at the 14:55 mark with a three pointer.

The Lady Royals' offense picked up the pace the rest of the half shooting 42.3% from the field after missing their first five shots.  Hannah Kotzen got the Lady Royals to within six points down the stretch with a three pointer but the Eagles scored five of the final seven points and led 41-32 at the break.

The Lady Royals started the second half with a 9-3 run narrowing the Eagles' lead to 44-41.  The Eagles responded with a quick 7-0 run and had a double-digit lead, 51-41, with 14:28 to go in the game.  Corlisa Pope hit one of two free throws at the 11:04 mark that brought the Lady Royals to within two points.

It would be as close as the Lady Royals would get however.  The Eagles ran their lead back to 10 points, 61-51, with 9:20 left and made 15-of-19 free throws in the half to hold on for the 85-73 victory.

Four players scored in double-digits for the Lady Royals led by Leilani Tuani-Fifita.  The junior forward scored 13 points and had a team-high eight rebounds before fouling out. 
Hannah Kotzen scored 11 points and dished five assists.  Baylie Bridges finished with 10 points as well.

Mariah Williams led the bench effort with 11 points in 16 minutes of action.  Montana Bass chipped in with eight points and game-high seven assists as well.

The Lady Royals head east down I-4 this weekend for the Bahama House & Best Western Aku Tiki Shootout hosted by Embry-Riddle University.  The Lady Royals' first match comes on Friday, Jan. 2, against Trinity International University (Ill.).  For all tournament news and scores including links for live video and stats access the tournament page here.