Courtesy of American Athletic Communications

LOS ANGELES - The American University women's basketball fell after a tight battle against No. 3 seed UCLA during Saturday's first round in the NCAA Tournament, 71-60.

The Eagles close their historic season with a 26-7 overall record (16-2 PL) while the Bruins will advance to the tournament's second round on Monday with a 25-7 record (14-4 Pac-12).

In a positive foreshadowing for next season, it was a pair of juniors who led the way for the Eagles starting with Cecily Carl who earned her eighth double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Classmate Elina Koskimies joined her with 13 points and seven rebounds. Both shot well from the perimeter after Carl hit 4 of 6 and Koskimies 3 of 6.

Senior Maria Liddane closed her AU career with a dozen points while senior Michael Harris helped lead on the boards with seven rebounds.

The Bruins, who are fifth in the NCAA for offensive boards, were held to only 33 rebounds while the Eagles brought down a game-high 36. The team hit 24 of 56 (.429) from the field and 9 of 23 (.391) from the perimeter.

UCLA was led by a double-double from Monique Billings (20 points, 10 rebounds). Kennedy Burke added another 15 while Jordin Canada, who came in averaging 16.8 ppg, was held to only 10. 

The Bruins shot 26 of 60 (.433) from the field, 8 of 15 (.533) from the perimeter, and 11 of 14 (.786) from the line.