COLUMBIA, S.C - CIU women's basketball had only a one day reprieve from their big win over Union College on Saturday as they hosted Webber International University (Fla.) on Monday evening. In what would be a battle from the jump, CIU would fall to Webber 74-69 in a game that saw six lead changes. The Rams move to 1-2 on the season, picking up their first loss in program history versus the Warriors after CIU had defeated Webber last season in the first meeting of the two teams. 

The game's first half was a back-and-forth affair as Webber took a 29-27 lead with five minutes remaining in the first half. The Rams responded, regaining the advantage before halftime on a Hannah Trawick layup to go ahead 37-35. However, despite a 13 point third quarter from sophomore Zion Neat, CIU was outscored in the final period, 21-11, as they received their second loss of the season.

Neat led CIU in scoring with 17 points going 3-of-5 from behind the arc and 6-of-8 from the line. The Rams were positively impacted by the inside presence of Hannah Trawick, who gobbled up 13 rebounds and scored 11 points. Senior Queeneka Howard has impressed early on this season and did so once again Monday evening, notching a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds. CIU had two other players in double-double figures as Madison Hatcher and Keniah Watkins, each chipped in 11 points. 

What Coach Danielle Fleming is saying: 

"This was a great game and test for us. It was close the entire game, and in the end, they put a couple more possessions together better than we did. We saw some good things, and we will build off that." 

Up next:
The Rams hit the road for Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup at Bluefield University (Va.) on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 PM.