PRESCOTT, Ariz. - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University women's basketball falls in a close conference matchup to the University of Antelope Valley. The Eagles (20-5, 10-2) slow second quarter led to the Pioneers (20-4, 11-1) riding out their lead to the finish line.

The first quarter proved to be a close match between the two teams. The first six minutes was back and forth play until Jenna Knudson (SR/Sterling, Colo.) scored five of a seven point Eagles run. This would be the last scoring for ERAU, followed by an eight point Pioneer run to close the quarter.

UAV retook their lead for the final time early into the second quarter, behind the fourth of 11 points scored by Chinna Fair. Despite going down double-digits on five different occassions throughout the second, Danae Ruiz (SR/Albuquerque, N.M.) made sure to cut the deficit with a pair of free throws before the half ended. Knudson and Jazlyn Maletino-Faga (SR/Tracy, Calif.) both ended with four points in the second.

The Pioneers pushed their lead early on, reaching a lead of 15, the largest of the game. Ruiz would not let her Eagles go quietly however, dropping 10 points in the third. Knudson managed to grab four rebounds in the quarter also.

ERAU made their biggest push of the came early in the fourth, going on a 10 point run to cut their deficit to four. The Eagles offense slowed down after the big run, only scoring seven the rest of the way. Embry-Riddle reverted to sending Pioneers to the foul line in the last minute, but their efforts were a little too late.

Maletino-Faga led the Eagles in scoring, coming away with 19 points. Ruiz and Knudson were the only other Eagles with double-digits with 17 and 15 respectively. Knudson also led her team in steals for the game, getting away with three. Knudson and Melissa Pfeifer (SR/Hays, Kan.) were tied for leading in rebounds, both grabbing 10. Knudson completed a double-double with points and rebounds.

The Eagles will play California State Maritime Academy on February 20 at 6:30 pm MST.