EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette women's basketball team took a lead into the fourth quarter on Saturday afternoon at Kirby Sports Center, but a back-and-forth fourth quarter fell Loyola's way as Lafayette fell, 55-52.
 
The Leopards (7-17, 2-11 PL) shot 50 percent in the second quarter to jump out to a 27-26 lead at the break. The trend continued into the third as Lafayette grabbed a 10-point lead at the 5:34 mark.
 
In the midst of the run, sophomore Drew Freeland knocked down a 3-pointer to force a Loyola (4-20, 3-10 PL) timeout and senior Alex Cantwell ended the run with a jump shot. The Greyhounds weathered the storm and went into the final frame trailing by five.
 
Loyola's leading scorer, Delaney Connolly opened the fourth quarter with an and-one to claim momentum, that was quickly answered by Freeland's bucket at the other end.
 
Loyola hit nine 3-pointers in the game, including three in the fourth quarter that would be the difference in the game.  
 
After a pair of Loyola trips to the line the resulted in 50 percent trips, Lafayette had one last opportunity, trailing by three. Advancing to half court with a timeout, Freeland had a contested 3-point try, getting hit and earning a trip to the line with one second remaining. She could not convert the necessary three foul shots and the game was over.
 
Sophomore Natalie Kucowski led the way for the Leopards with a double-double, scoring 18 points and collecting 12 rebounds while Freeland added 13 points with two assists.
 
Connolly had a game-high 25 points and hit five 3-pointers to carry the Greyhounds.
 
The Leopards will hit the road on Feb. 20, taking on Navy in Annapolis, Maryland, before returning to Kirby on Feb. 23 to celebrate senior day.
 
For the latest on the Lafayette College women's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteWBB, Facebook at Lafayette Women's Basketball, and Instagram @LafayetteWBB.