Embry-Riddle women's basketball delivered one of its grittiest performances of the season on Thursday night, outlasting La Sierra 65–64 inside the Activity Center to earn a crucial GSAC victory. 

 The Eagles led by as many as 13 in the first quarter, weathered a massive La Sierra surge, and closed the game with poise to secure the one-point win. Embry-Riddle came out firing, putting up 20 first-quarter points while holding La Sierra to just 10. The Eagles shot 47% in the opening frame, fueled by early contributions from Angelina Whelan, Jaelah Clayton, and Morgan Mann off the bench.

La Sierra Pushes Back 
The Golden Eagles clawed back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to four at halftime. A 24-point third quarter from La Sierra flipped the momentum, and the visitors briefly took the lead behind strong play from Breonna Martinez and Sydney Wilson.

But Embry-Riddle refused to fold.

McBride and Alapai Lead the Charge

Senior forward Kate McBride anchored the Eagles with a dominant double-double performance, finishing with: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal

She was relentless on the glass, grabbing seven defensive boards and providing stability during La Sierra's runs.

Guard Makenzie Alapai delivered one of her most efficient outings of the season, scoring 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting and going 6-for-7 at the line. She added four rebounds and a steal while playing composed minutes in the fourth quarter.

Fourth-Quarter Composure

Trailing entering the fourth, the Eagles responded with 21 points in the final frame—matching their highest-scoring quarter of the night. Alapai and McBride combined for 13 in the period, while the defense held La Sierra to 30% shooting.

Embry-Riddle's ability to get to the free-throw line late (7-of-8 in the fourth) proved to be the difference.