GRANTHAM, Pa. – Despite 14 points and nine rebounds from Erin Phelan, the Widener University women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, falling 65-49 to the No. 13 Messiah Falcons on Thursday night.  
 
BY THE NUMBERS 

• Joining Phelan in double figures was Jordan D'Ambrosio, who posted 13. 
• Kyra Schenk tied for the team high in rebounds with nine.
• Nicole Barnes added a season-high matching seven boards.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
Messiah got off to a quick 6-0 lead and maintained the advantage throughout the majority of the opening period. Phelan kept the Pride within striking distance, scoring the first seven Widener points of the contest. Starting the second period, the Blue and Gold went on a 14-6 run, holding the Falcons to 1-for-9 shooting during the span, as the Pride took a 25-24 lead with 4:07 remaining before halftime. Messiah recovered, tallying 12 of the final 14 points in the frame and taking a 36-27 lead into intermission.  

The Falcons methodically extended their lead in the third, outscoring Widener 13-8 before pulling away in the fourth. 
 
UP NEXT 
Widener and Messiah conclude the two-game set in Chester on Friday night. Opening tip from the Schwartz Athletic Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.