READING, Pa. – The Albright women's basketball team (3-9, 0-1 MAC Commonwealth) opened up Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth play this evening playing host to the Messiah Falcons (8-3, 1-0 MAC Commonwealth). The Falcons got the better of the Lions tonight winning 73-56.

Tonight's game marked the opening MAC Commonwealth game for both teams. Messiah was tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the MAC Commonwealth Championship.

For the Lions, tonight's game was the first home game for the team since November 28, 36 days ago. Albright is coming off a six-game road trip that spanned the entire month of December.

Trailing by just one after 10 minutes of play, the Lions would find themselves down 38-26 at the half.

CJ Apistar had it going in the first half finishing perfect from the field including two threes. The sophomore guard finished with eight first half points playing nearly every minute of the first 20 minutes.

Orianna Edmond had a strong opening 20 minutes scoring seven points and six rebounds. Three of the six rebounds were of the offensive variety.

Albright won the third quarter cutting their deficit to 10 entering the final frame of the game. Messiah was able to withstand the Albright comeback attempt to win tonight's game 73-56.

Three different Lions ended the game in double figures tonight led by Edmond's 14 points. The 14 points ties a career high for the sophomore forward. Edmond collected nine rebounds narrowly missing out on a double-double.

Apistar finished with 11 points going 3-4 from beyond the arc falling one point short of her career high.

Julia Zakovitch also scored in double figures going for 10 points while collecting six rebounds. Zakovicth has scored at least 10 points in seven of the 12 games this season for the Lions.
 
Up Next:
Albright will return to action on Saturday, January 6 against cross-town rival Alvernia. The game against the Golden Wolves will begin at 1 p.m. on the campus of Alvernia.