Bridgewater, Va.- The women’s basketball team suffered a tight loss to the Quakers on their Bleed Crimson night by a score of 62-58 in Nininger Hall.

With an overall record of 12-4 and a 7-3 record in conference play, the Eagles are currently ranked fifth in the ODAC. 

Sophomore India Daley stood out with her unflagging work ethic, and her 13 points, which was second on the team. In addition to putting up points for the Eagles, Daley had two steals, which tied for the team-high.

The Eagles’ defense was the key to the day, as the they held the Quakers to a 35% field goal shooting percentage.

The Eagles gained momentum at the end of the first quarter due to a highlight worthy block by first-year Jay Garcia, who also earned the assist to help junior Jaden Alsberry score. After finishing the first quarter with a bucket, sophomore Abby Branner continued to change the momentum for the Eagles.

“I think it was a great game. The energy was up on both sides, and they fought hard to take the win,” said Garcia. “As a team, there are things we are going to work on moving forward to polish all the good we are already doing. We all know we have the potential to do amazing things.”

Daley’s triple in the second quarter completely altered the direction of the game, as the Eagles were attacking Guilford defensively. Garcia came through once more in the clutch as she grabbed a bucket for herself, and on the next play, produced a direct pass to Daley to give the Eagles the lead, 29-26.

The Quakers took advantage of two back-to-back errors by the Eagles to go into halftime ahead 35-34.

The second half began in the same manner as the first, as the defense made the difference for both teams throughout the entire game. Alsberry, who had been in complete control of the paint all day, concluded the third quarter with the Eagles with some impressive ball movement.

The Quakers’ lead was reduced to two with just over a minute remaining in regulation thanks to a clutch shot made by graduate student Erika Nettles. With 40 seconds left, first-year Riley Corcoran forced the turnover the Eagles needed, but couldn’t convert the opportunity.

With 12 seconds left, Branner used all her effort to bring the Eagles back within two after the need for another defensive save from the Eagles.

“Each team committed costly turnovers, and the game was incredibly crazy for both teams, yet it was nonetheless fascinating to watch,” said senior audience member Noah Hughes. “Loved the enthusiasm in Nininger; the students made an effort to support the Eagles throughout the entire game.”

The crowd contributed to Bleed Crimson night and Francesco’s night, and Nininger boomed as loud as ever. The Eagles were down by four and pressured to shoot as time expired, however Guilford remained on top with a final score of 62-58. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, the Eagles will travel to Virginia Beach to take on Virginia Wesleyan in another ODAC game.