LANCASTER, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team was downed by Lancaster Bible College to begin conference play, 67-57, on Wednesday evening despite a strong second quarter where they outscored the Chargers, 21-10.

The Falcons began the first quarter establishing an early presence in the paint, with junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) scoring a layup to open the game. The team capitalized on defensive stops, particularly through forced turnovers, which led to points in transition. Cedar Crest gained momentum midway through the quarter with a three-pointer by sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), assisted by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), to take the lead at 9-8.

Junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) contributed to maintaining the lead with effective layups, keeping the score tight. However, Lancaster Bible responded with outside shooting, including a late three-pointer by junior Isabella Eufemia (Baltimore, Md.), to regain the advantage. The Falcons trailed 18-13 at the end of the first quarter, aiming to close the gap in the following frame.

Cedar Crest began the second quarter by tightening their defense, recording three blocks and two steals, which shifted the momentum in their favor. Merchant contributed significantly with a layup at 8:14, assisted by junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton), to cut the deficit. The Falcons capitalized on turnovers, with Bincarosky's steal leading to a fast break layup by Rios, pushing them ahead 20-18.

As the quarter progressed, Cedar Crest found success in the paint, with Merchant adding several key layups. Rios capped a scoring drive with a critical three-pointer at 1:23, assisted by Bincarosky, extending their lead. The Falcons closed the quarter with a 21-10 run, highlighted by a triple from Kerdock with 20 seconds remaining, ending the half ahead 34-28.

The Chargers opened the third quarter with a scoring drive, narrowing the deficit early. Cedar Crest maintained composure with first-year Hailey Wolbeck's (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) layup, briefly extending their lead to five points. However, Lancaster Bible's consistent pressure resulted in a tie by 3:31.

As the quarter progressed, the Falcons struggled with turnovers, while the Chargers capitalized, taking the lead. Cedar Crest faced a scoring drought towards the end, allowing Lancaster Bible to extend their lead with consecutive three-pointers. The quarter concluded with the Falcons trailing 54-43.

Cedar Crest opened the fourth quarter with a focus on scoring in the paint, as first-year Brooke Leonardi (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) and Merchant each contributed with layups, narrowing the gap early. First-year Gabrielle Moore's (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) steal at 7:02 sparked brief momentum for the Falcons, leading to a successful free throw by Merchant, bringing the score to 48-56. However, the Chargers responded with a key three-pointer from sophomore Shania Stoltzfus (Gap, Pa.), extending their lead.

The Falcons continued to challenge defensively, with Bincarosky adding a layup to close the gap at 3:29. Despite a late effort, including Bincarosky's additional layup at 1:33, Lancaster Bible maintained their advantage by converting free throws down the stretch. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest outscoring the Chargers 14-13, but the home team retained the lead, ending the game 67-57.

Merchant led the Falcons with 25 points and collected 10 rebounds, showcasing strong offensive and defensive efforts. Rios added 12 points while recording six assists, contributing significantly to the team's playmaking. Kerdock demonstrated defensive acumen with three steals and added five points. Bincarosky contributed 10 points, including two three-pointers, enhancing the team's perimeter scoring.

Junior Rachel Nolt (Manheim, Pa.)  led Lancaster Bible with 23 points, connecting on 9-of-22 field goal attempts and adding three three-pointers. Stoltzfus contributed 17 points, hitting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and securing six rebounds. First-year Emily Wilson (New Hope, Pa.) distributed the ball effectively with five assists and gathered eight rebounds. Senior Raven Hunter (West Palm Beach, Fla.) played a crucial defensive role with three steals and six rebounds.

Cedar Crest (5-3 overall, 0-1 United East) will return to action on Saturday, December 6 at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 3:00 p.m. Lancaster Bible (3-7 overall, 1-0 United East) next faces Penn State Berks on the road on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.