Joe Burgarino- Assistant Director of Athletic Communication

MISENHEIMER, NC- Despite a career high 17 points by Sydni Bickford the Pfeiffer women's basketball team (2-2) fell to Francis Marion (4-3) on Saturday afternoon 60-50. Bickford was 6-for-9 from the field connecting on four three pointers for the contest.

Francis Marion controlled the first quarter scoring the last 12 points in the opening period and taking a 22-8 advantage into the second frame. In the second quarter, Bickford scored nine consecutive points for the Falcons, knocking down three from long range in just under a minute of action. With 1:55 left in the first half, Bethany Sarson cut the Patriot lead to 10 points connecting from long range.

Meg Pritchard gave the Falcons a huge spark to start the second stanza of play, scoring nine of Pfeiffer's first 11 points and cutting Francis Marion's lead to 39-36. The Patriots responded scoring five unanswered points to push the lead back up to eight points. As time expired in the third period of play Bickford scored on a fast break layup making the score 46-39.

Francis Marion was able to put the game out of reach in the final quarter of play benefitting from a 7-0 run midway through the period.

Khai Chandler had an excellent game for the Patriots scoring a game-high 21 points and going 5-for-6 from 3-point land. Francis Marion turned Pfeiffer over 22 times turning those into 27 points, and held an 18-12 advantage in second chance points.

Pritchard finished the game with 15 points, seven boards, and two blocks. Lauren Janka was dominant on the glass, recording a game-high 15 rebounds, while chipping in with four blocks and six points. The Falcons held a slight rebounding edge pulling down 41 as a team and scoring 12 second chance points.

Pfeiffer returns to action on Thursday, December 15, traveling to Emmanuel. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.