SAINT MARY'S CITY, Md. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team fell to St. Mary's College of Maryland, 55-34, in a United East Conference tilt on the road on Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons started the first quarter with defensive intensity, as sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) capitalized on a turnover by securing a steal and converting a fast-break layup for an early lead. Despite maintaining strong defensive rebounding with 11 total boards, Cedar Crest struggled offensively, hitting 1-of-14 field goals and failing to convert any three-point attempts.

The Seahawks capitalized on the Falcons' turnovers, outscoring them 6-2 off turnovers and utilizing their bench for 14 points. St. Mary's extended their lead with a late three-pointer by senior Samantha Blaylock (Ijamsville, Md.). Cedar Crest trailed 14-2 at the end of the quarter.

The second quarter began with the Falcons seeking to capitalize on defensive stops, highlighted by a block from junior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) at 1:45. Despite the defensive effort, Cedar Crest struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the quarter, which limited offensive opportunities. Junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) contributed five points, including a successful three-point play at 2:43, to keep the visitors within reach.

The Seahawks maintained control with consistent scoring in the paint and capitalized on the Falcons' turnovers. The home team outscored Cedar Crest 13-6 in the quarter and extended their lead. At the end of the second stanza, St. Mary's led 27-8.

Cedar Crest commenced the third quarter with a quick defensive rebound by sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), followed by a fast-break layup from junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), assisted by Kerdock, narrowing the Seahawks' lead. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Falcons encountered some challenges, committing eight turnovers, which St. Mary's capitalized on to increase their lead.

Cedar Crest managed to score through a combination of layups and a three-pointer from Kerdock, but faced difficulties at the free-throw line, converting only three of ten attempts. The Seahawks took advantage of second-chance opportunities and fast breaks to maintain their scoring pace.

The quarter concluded with the Falcons trailing, as they were unable to close the gap significantly despite their defensive rebounds and a late free throw by Merchant. Cedar Crest ended the third quarter down 46-18.

The Falcons initiated the fourth quarter with a strong showing in the paint, scoring 10 points and securing defensive stops that limited the St. Mary's to just four points in the paint. Merchant's layups at 9:10 and 8:38, each assisted by Kerdock, sparked an early offensive drive that contributed to the Cedar Crest momentum.

Defensively, the Falcons showcased resilience, highlighted by first-year Hailey Wolbeck's (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) defensive rebounds and Perrine's block at 5:45. The visiting team capitalized on turnovers and maintained pressure, with Rios hitting a crucial three-pointer at 2:44, further aided by Cedar Crest's strong rebounding performance.

The quarter concluded with the Falcons outscoring St. Mary's 16-9, though the Seahawks retained the overall lead. The game ended with the Seahawks leading, 55-34.
Rios contributed defensively with two blocks and two steals while scoring nine points. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) recorded eight rebounds, including seven on the defensive end, and added three steals. Kerdock facilitated the offense, posting seven assists and collecting six rebounds. Merchant led the team with 12 rebounds and added 10 points.

Sophomore Saffiyah Gibson (Fort Washington, Md.) led St. Mary's with 12 points, shooting 5-for-15 from the field, and added four assists and two steals. Sophomore Keira Mason (Brandywine, Md.) made a significant impact by scoring 15 points, converting 7-of-8 free throws, and dominating the boards with 13 rebounds. Junior Olivia Liszt (Baltimore, Md.) contributed 11 points, connecting on 5-of-12 attempts, while also grabbing nine rebounds and recording three steals. Junior Rayna Miller (Westminster, Md.) showcased her defensive skills with two steals and seven rebounds. Blaylock scored 11 points, hitting three out of six from beyond the arc.

Cedar Crest (5-4 overall, 0-2 United East) returns to action on Monday, December 29 against Moravian University in the Steel Club Classic at 2:00 p.m. St. Mary's College of Maryland (4-2 overall, 2-0, United East) next plays at Swarthmore College on Tuesday, December 9 at 5:00 p.m.