HAMBURG, N.Y. - Turnovers and the lack of a rebounding presence proved to be costly as the Hilbert Women's basketball team fell to the Medaille Mavericks 86-58 in both team's first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference match tonight. Natalie Whitman paced the Hawks with 16 points and five rebounds in the loss.

The Mavericks set the tone from the get-go with a quick 7-0 run. Hilbert struggled to execute on offense against Medaille's defensive pressure. Whitman sparked an 11-4 run with a contested layup to bring the Hawks within four with 12:44 left in the half. That was the closest Hilbert would get as the Mavericks used their 17 offensive rebounds to gain a comfortable 50-24 lead at the break.

Medaille's field goal percentage and shot attempts were the difference in the first half as they held a 42% - 28% field goal advantage while firing 18 more shots.

The second half showed much more parity, as Medaille outscored Hilbert by two (36-34). The Hawks started the half with passion and took advantage of that by going on an 11-3 run.

After giving up 17 second chance points in the first half, Hilbert held Medaille to only five in the second. However, Medaille forced Hilbert into costly turnovers, which led to 20 points for the Mavericks on the night. Medaille's bench outscored Hilbert 37-28.

Hilbert was consistent from the free throw line, shooting 16 of 17 on the night. Lauren Eggleston scored all 8 of her points from the stripe (8-8).

Amber Hay led the Hawks with four assists and grabbed four rebounds. Jenah Labuski and Kylie Reinholz added 8 points a piece for the Hawks. Newcomer Kenya Williams scored seven points in five minutes of action.

Medaille had four players in double figures and were led by Danielle Reinwald's 17 points. Reinwald also grabbed a game-high 9 boards and chipped in 4 steals.

Hilbert is on the road this Saturday as they face Penn State Altoona at 3pm.