March 17, 2010

Center Valley, Pa.--American (22-10) nearly dug out of a 14-point first-half deficit, but the Eagles could not complete the comeback in a 63-55 loss to Old Dominion (19-13) in the first round of the WNIT. Patriot League Player of the Year Michelle Kirk paced the Eagles with a game-high 21 points, while sophomore Lisa Strack added 18.

After Ebony Edwards hit a pair of free throws to pull American within one point, Old Dominion rattled off 13 straight points to take a 33-19 lead with 2:10 left in the first half. The Eagles then scored five straight points to bring the deficit back down to single digits. Kquanise Byrd hit two free throws to re-extend the Lady Monarchs' lead to 11 at the intermission.

For 12 minutes in the second half, Old Dominion's lead hovered between eight and 10 points. American pulled within six points four times in the final seven minutes of play, but the Eagles could get no closer.

American attempted 27 free throws, making 22. Old Dominion attempted just 12 shots from the charity stripe, but the Lady Monarchs made 11, including all five of their second-half attempts. The Eagles also forced Old Dominion into 23 turnovers, while committing 18.

Old Dominion distanced itself with its interior play. The Lady Monarchs outscored the Eagles by a 44-12 margin in the paint. Old Dominion also held a 39-29 rebounding edge, helping the Lady Monarchs record an 11-5 advantage in second-chance points.

The Lady Monarchs were paced by Tia Lewis. The sophomore forward paced Old Dominion with 16 points, 14 of which came in the first half.

American has lost its last three WNIT games by a combined 11 points. The Eagles finish the season with 22 wins, one short of a school record. Old Dominion will move to the second round of the WNIT to face the winner of Thursday's game between Boston University and Providence.