LAKE WALES – FLA. Unfortunately, this afternoon the Women's Basketball Team dropped a conference matchup against rival Webber International University.

 To start off the game, the Royals were ahead until the Warriors tied it with 2 and a half minutes in first quarter. Webber then managed to pull ahead with 3 free throw shots handed to them by Warner. Warriors took the first quarter over the Royals 19-18.

The Warriors struck first in second quarter, but the Royals answered back quickly with a three point shot by Valeria Merlos to take the lead again 23-21.

Warner was able to stay ahead through the rest of the half and took the half time score at 34-29.
 
It was again the Warriors who struck first in the third quarter, coming into the second half firing on all cylinders while the Royal appeared flat. The Warriors continued to lead, jumping to a 21 point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter as the Royals could not keep up. Ultimately, the Warriors did not relinquish their lead as they finished Warner off by a score of 79-62.
 
Despite a heart breaking loss, the Royals had three ladies who reached double digit points. Daijah Turner scored 20 points in her offensive efforts, as well as added three steals. Turner currently ranks #2 in NAIA DII with 75 steals, and she ranks #5 in NAIA DII in steals per game.

Valeria Merlos was hot tonight as she scored 16 points, and was perfect from the free throw line going 4 for 4.

D'Asia James was the last Royal in double digits with 12 points, as well as 8 rebounds.

Up next, the Lady Royals are on the road to take on Thomas University, Thursday January 31^st at 5:30 PM.