Atlanta, Ga. -- Mel McLean posted a game-high 25 points for the Vikings, but the Berry College women's basketball team suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon at Emory University, 75-70.

The close loss dropped the Vikings to 2-1 overall. The win improved the Eagles to a perfect 3-0 on the season.

Fighting back from an early 18-point Emory lead, the Vikings pushed hard throughout the first half to cut the lead in half going into halftime, down only 34-25.

McLean led the Berry offense with her 25 points and six rebounds. She was 5-5 on 3-pointers and made 10-11 free throws. Emma Cook also added 21 points and ten rebounds in the loss. Chanlir Segarra was the third Viking in double digits with 15 points.

For the Eagles, Khadijah Sayyid collected 21 points in the win.

BC outscored the Eagles, 45-41, in the second half. The visitors cut the lead to 52-49 on a 3-pointer by McLean with 10:48 remaining, but got no closer.

Emory University led in rebounds (40-38), but the Vikings had a better day from the free throw line. BC was 26-36 and EU went 7-20 from the charity stripe.

"We played well for the most part, but had a few moments where our youth was evident," said Berry Head Coach Stephanie Dunn. "But after playing such a strong team, we answered many of our questions with positive answers. We are definitely going in the right direction."

The Vikings look to start a new winning streak as they play Covenant College at home on Tuesday, November 25, at 6 p.m.