Dec. 2, 2011

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The Lehman women's basketball team could not overcome a dismal first half shooting performance on the way to dropping a 62-53 decision to Hunter College on Friday night to fall to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in the City University of New York Athletic Conference.

Able to convert on only six first half field goals, the Lightning found itself trailing 27-16 at the break despite a similarly tough-shooting performance by the Hawks, who only tossed in nine field goals of their own.

The Hawks were led by a trio of double digit scorers as Megan McKenna tallied a game-high 18 points, Kristen Markoe notched 14 and 13 rebounds, and Nicole Lenard added 12 points.  Alease Vaughan also contributed on the backboards, grabbing 10 as the Hawks finished the night with a decided 56-42 advantage on the glass.

Lehman was led by senior Leslie Mencia's 15 points.  Joining Mencia in double figures were Amanda De La Cruz and Paula Robinson, who each scored 12 points on the evening.

The visiting Lightning made a strong push in the second half and actually held a two point lead with 6:47 remaining following a three-pointer by Robinson.  However, the Hunter triumvirate of McKenna, Markoe and Lenard combined for 17 points down the stretch, including a huge three-pointer by Lenard after Lehman had cut the Hawks' lead to one point at 51-50.

Lehman will have no choice but to put the loss behind it quickly as the Lightning travels to the New England area on Sunday for a serious showdown with last season's Division III national champion, Amherst College.