Embry-Riddle put together a gritty performance on Thursday evening but came up just short in a 50-46 road loss to Benedictine Mesa. 

Embry-Riddle jumped out early behind senior Katie McBride, who scored the game's first points. McBride finished with a team-high 12 points and nine rebounds, adding three blocks and three assists in a dominant two-way effort.

After trailing 13-11 at the end of the first, the Eagles responded in the second quarter with their best offensive stretch of the night. Nicole Evenson knocked down a pair of threes and scored six of her nine points in the period, while Angelina Whelan added a triple to help ERAU outscore Benedictine Mesa 15-10 and take a 26-23 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal as the Redhawks surged ahead with a 16-9 run, capitalizing on Eagle turnovers and converting at the free-throw line. Despite the swing, Embry-Riddle stayed within striking distance thanks to clutch free throws from Morgan Evenson and McBride.

In a tense fourth quarter, ERAU regained the lead at 41-40 on a Morgan Evenson layup and extended it to 44-40 after her three-pointer with five minutes remaining. However, Benedictine Mesa answered with a late push, scoring the final six points of the game, including four free throws in the closing seconds.

Key Stats for ERAU:

• Katie McBride: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Nicole Evenson: 9 points (3-of-6 from three)
• Morgan Evenson: 9 points, 2 assists
• Team shooting: 33.3% FG, 40.0% from three, 70.6% FT