EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette women's basketball team had American on the ropes all afternoon at Kirby Sports Center, but the defending Patriot League Champions pulled it out, 67-57, on Saturday afternoon.
 
After American (18-8, 14-1 PL) jumped out to a 15-4 lead in the first quarter, the Leopards (7-19, 2-13 PL) answered back. They finished the first period on an 8-0 run that was started by back-to-back strong moves to the hoop by freshman Makaila Wilson. Sophomore Drew Freeland then connected on a transition 3-pointer in the corner and senior Alex Cantwell closed the period by making 1-of-2 free throws.
 
Sophomore Natalie Kucowski got going in the second quarter, scoring 11 of her 15 points in the frame. She also pulled down seven boards with three blocks, two assists and two steals on the afternoon. Cantwell scored in the final minute of the half to give the Leopards a 37-35 lead at the break.
 
Cantwell matched Kucowski's 15 points and seven rebounds on her Senior Day.
 
Freeland scored the Leopards' first five points of the third quarter, knocking down a foul line jumper and a 3-pointer to give Lafayette a 42-39 advantage midway through the period. American scored the next four and the team's again traded buckets down the stretch to enter the fourth tied a 46.
 
Lafayette opened the fourth quarter with five unanswered and on a 7-0 run dating back to the third period. The Eagles answered with a 10-0 run of their own that covered the next four minutes.
 
American got to the line 12 times in the final 10 minutes to help seal the game, outscoring the Leopards 21-11 in the fourth.
 
For the first time in 2018-19, the Leopard featured both of its seniors in the starting lineup as Nia Holland made her first appearance of the season, joining Cantwell who made her fourth straight start.
 
Freeland finished the game in double-figures with 14 points and four rebounds, going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. Freshman Nicole Johnson was productive off the bench, scoring six points with five assists.
 
Cecily Carl led all scorers with 24 points and four rebounds while Elina Koskimies got hot early, scoring 11 of her 18 points in the first quarter for American.
 
The game featured 11 ties and eight lead changes as the Leopards were able to battle back from 11-down in the first quarter.
 
Lafayette hits the road for a pair of games with Boston U. next on the docket with tip-off set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling across the Lehigh Valley for The Rivalry on March 2.
 
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.