WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Lafayette women's basketball team opened 2023 with a 75-56 loss to Army on Monday afternoon.
 
Senior Jess Booth led the Leopards with 18 points, while junior Makayla Andrews joined her in double figures with 14. Army had two in double figures led by Sabria Hunter with 20 points and Reese Ericson who had 16 on 67 percent shooting while adding four three's. 
 
The first quarter was relatively evenly matched, aside from the Leopards outshooting Army 40-14 percent from beyond the arc. Army ended the quarter on-top 19-14.
 
As the game moved to the second quarter, the Black Knights put together a 7-0 run from 8:11 to 6:52, giving them a 10 point lead at 26-16. 
 
Army stretched the margin to 18 the end of the second quarter to lead 40-22 at halftime. Hunter led the Black Knights with 14 points.
 
As the second half opened, a 7-0 run help pull the Leopards within 11, 40-29. Halee Smith drained a three, while Andrews and Booth each netted a layup to put the Leopards down 40-29 at 8:00.
 
Army outscored Lafayette 14-6 over the balance of the third quarter and led 54-35.
 
Lafayette opened the final quarter with a 11-6 run to cut the deficit 60-46 with seven minutes left in the game. Booth put up three layups and Andrews netted two, while freshman guard Sauda Ntaconayigize added a free throw.
 
Army outrebounded Lafayette 49-27, leading to 16 second chance points.
 
Lafayette will host Boston U. on Thursday at Kirby Sports Center, the Leopards' first home Patriot League game of the season. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.