READING, Pa. – Stevenson women's basketball (7-16, 6-8) scored early, falling short of matching pace with the Albright Lions (17-7, 11-4) on the road Saturday afternoon, finishing with a 59-48 loss against the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) opponent.
 
Mustang sophomore guard Laci Johnson and first year forward Tessa Boswell continued to be a scoring force, notching 11 and six points respectively. First year forward Aliyah Jean-Jacques finished with an all-around nine-point, five-rebound performance. First year forward Destiny Towns led with seven rebounds, matching the team's total, while first year guard Erin Dixon scored eight points.
 
FIRST QUARTER
The Mustangs put points on the board early, quickly scoring with a layup just over 30 seconds into the opening period. The Lions scored just seconds later, with an additional three-pointer 40 seconds later. The Mustangs pushed to close the early gap with a free throw series, while the Lions worked to establish the lead. Boswell scored her first of two three-pointers at just over three minutes into the period. The Lions tied it up again, 8-8, minutes later, and went on to end the opening period on top 15-13.
 
SECOND QUARTER
Scoring seven points in the second period, the Mustangs found opportunity with just over three minutes remaining with a layup from senior forward Morgan DeBeary. Junior forward Michelle Mesquita followed with a basket about a minute later, but the Lions continued their pace. Scoring 11 points in the second period, Albright rounded the half on top 26-19, despite a last-second jumper from Dixon.
 
THIRD QUARTER
Johnson brought the Mustangs over 20 points about two minutes into the third. They went on to find three more opportunities to close in on the Lions' lead. Following a free-throw series, Johnson brought the Mustangs over 30 points, narrowing the gap and creating a one-point 32-31 game with just under four minutes remaining. However, the Lions added seven more points, ending the third on top 39-31.
 
FOURTH QUARTER
Boswell opened the final period with a three-pointer just 21 seconds in, and Johnson followed to bring the team to a two-point 39-37 deficit. The Lions pressed on, widening their lead, and despite five more Mustang baskets and one free throw as the clock ticked on, Albright rounded the afternoon with the final 59-48 decision.
 
UP NEXT
The Mustangs fall to 7-16 on the season and 6-8 in conference play. The Lions improve to 17-7 and 11-4 in conference play, receiving a tournament berth for the post-season. The Mustangs are on the road one last time as they travel to Messiah University on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. The Lions will host Widener University on Tuesday at 8 p.m.