Cranford, N.J. – Despite a fierce second-half effort, the Monroe College Women's Basketball team suffered its first loss of the season on Wednesday, falling to Union County College, 81-73. Three Mustangs players scored double figures.
 
Monroe held the lead several times throughout the first quarter, but ultimately entered the second trailing 19-16.  The Mustangs even led by as much as three points (11-8) on a steal and basket from Camilla Kilinc at the 5:25 mark.
 
The second quarter saw Union County outscore Monroe 19-9, giving them a 13-point cushion at halftime (38-25).  The deficit grew to 19 points early in the third quarter, but the Mustangs fought back, using a 12-0 run midway through the quarter to get back in the game. Monroe cut the gap almost in half, trailing by ten points after three quarters.
 
A Jada Banks layup at the 8:28 mark in the fourth quarter pulled the Mustangs within a possession, at 57-54.  Three minutes later, another bucket from Mercy Amechi got them within two.  Eventually Monroe had to foul to stop the clock, and Union County pulled away for the 81-73 win.
 
In the game, Cristina Soriano picked up her first double-double of the season with 15 points (on 7-9 shooting) and 12 rebounds.  Banks came off the bench to score 25, and Shania Johnson finished with 11.
 
The Monroe College Women's Basketball team is now 3-1 on the season.  They will host the Monroe College Invitational over the weekend and open play with CCRI on Friday, November 18th, at 8PM.