After holding a 21-0 record, the women’s basketball team fell last night 69-58, in a matchup with the Walsh Cavaliers.

Despite their loss, the Eagles are still ranked third in the nation and still stand as the leader of the south and entire GLIAC division.

The Eagles defeated the Cavaliers (14-7, 11-5) earlier this season at home by 14 points, 78-64, although having this win secured was not enough to allow the team to beat them again.

“Last night was a tough game,” said head coach Robyn Fralick. “I thought we played really well for ten minutes, although it is a 40 minute game. We played very flat and we did not have any urgency, so that was really disappointing.”

Holding their undefeated record, the Eagles have had a target on their back going into every matchup. Pulling out a victory every single game can become a challenge when every team the women face, essentially have nothing to lose and will give the Eagles their best game.

Junior Alex Henning led the Eagles last night with 17 points and seven rebounds.

“She has been playing really well for us lately,” said Fralick. “She finds ways to score often with back-cuts or layups and around their defense. A big strength of hers is getting to the paint and scoring buckets around the rim. That is something that we hope will continue.”

Right behind Henning, sophomore Andi Daugherty added her own 13 points to the board along with seven rebounds as well.

The game began with a Walsh lead 8-5 in the first five minutes but the Eagles maintained their strong presence on defense.

The first quarter ended with Walsh scoring four three-point baskets and the Eagles remained behind the Cavaliers at the second quarter although worked their game back to a one-point deficit at 20-19.

The close score did not last long, as Walsh went into halftime leading the Eagles 28-23.

The second half did not go in favor of the Eagles. The team remained behind throughout the rest of the game as the Cavaliers opened up the second half going on a 15-1 run, taking a 19-point lead.

The Eagle attempted to pull the game closer in the fourth, but still remained behind 56-49 with seven-minute left to go in the game.

“We battled back in the fourth quarter,” said Fralick. “I think we put ourselves in a position to win with about three minutes left in the game, but it was too little and too late. When you get down by that much, it is hard to crawl back.”

Some hope came for the women after Henning made two free throws, pulling the score to 58-55, but Walsh’s momentum was taken back after they made another three-point shot.

Walsh continued to extend their lead throughout the last two minutes of the game, and finished leading the Eagles by 11 points.

In attempt to begin another winning streak, the team will gear up again tomorrow at home to face the Malone Pioneers at 1 p.m.