Joe Burgarino- Assistant Director of Athletic Communication

MISENHEIMER, NC- The Pfeiffer women's basketball team (2-1, 1-1 CC) dropped their first game of the season on Tuesday night, at the hands of Mount Olive (3-2, 2-0 CC) 72-59. Bethany Sarson provided a spark off the bench for the Falcons scoring a career-high 14 points, including making 4-of-7 from three point range.

The Trojans jumped all over Pfeiffer to start the contest, scoring 14 of the 18 points of the period. The Falcons responded with a 5-0 run, which was capped off by a 3-pointer by Sarson. Pfeiffer cut the first quarter deficit to 18-12, when Sydni Bickford connected on a triple with 1:37 left in the frame.

With 3:55 left in the first half, Sarson gave the Falcons their first lead of the game 24-23, knocking down a three pointer. The Trojans closed the stanza on a 12-2 run. As time was running down in the second half, the Falcons fouled UMO's Daria Simmons who was shooting a half-court shot with .02 second left. Simmons went to the line and connected on all three of free throws, giving Mount Olive a 36-28 halftime advantage.

Mount Olive was able to extend their lead in the third quarter to 54-41. With just over three minutes remaining in the game the Falcons went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 68-55, however, it was not enough and Pfeiffer dropped their first conference contest of the season.

Pfeiffer did not have an answer for Ni'Ya Styles, who scored a game-high 25 points, on 10-of-19 shooting. Simmons added 17 points and four assists for the Trojans. UMO dominated the glass scoring 14 second chance points, while out rebounding Pfeiffer 50 to 34 for the game.

Bickford scored 11 points for the Falcons, while Meg Pritchard chipped in with 10 points, nine boards and three assists. Lauren Janka recorded eight rebounds, and a game-high four blocks on the night.

Pfeiffer returns to action on Saturday, December 3, as the Falcons host Francis Marion. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.