BOSTON - Despite a late charge from the Saints, the Emmanuel women's basketball team dropped a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) clash, 54-45, to Lasell Wednesday night on Andy Yosinoff Court. The loss drops the Saints to 5-9 and 0-3 in GNAC play while the Lasers advance to 8-7 with a 3-1 record in the GNAC. 

With the score tied at 8-8 just over five minutes into the game, Abigail Duclos sparked an 11-3 run for the Lasers, closing the first quarter with a 19-11 lead.

Looking to maintain control, Lasell stepped-up their defensive pressure in the second quarter. The Saints were unable to convert a field goal for the first 7:57, allowing the Lasers to extend their lead to as much as 15. At the break, Lasell held a 30-17 advantage. Emmanuel shot just 1/17 from the field in the frame, with the lone basket coming from first-year Jordan Whitehead.

After a turnover by the Saints, Daeserae Williamson scored a basket underneath to give the Lasers their largest lead of the game at 37-20 midway through third quarter. However, Emmanuel wouldn't go down without a fight. Minutes later, graduate student Olivia Matela and first-year Lia Krumian hit consecutive threes just 19 seconds apart, narrowing the gap to 40-32. Lasell held on to a 43-34 edge as the two sides entered the final quarter.

After trading baskets in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, junior Megan Reilly's pair of free throws followed by a layup trimmed the Lasers' lead to just four. Desiree Robinson's layup a minute later brought the Saints within three, but the visitors scored the final six points to secure a 54-45 victory. This win marked Lasell Women's Basketball's first-ever defeat of Emmanuel after 18 previous attempts.

Shirle Major paced the Lasers with 12 points, while Hailey Johnson added 10. Both Laura Johnson and Blaize Mack grabbed 12 rebounds in the victory. For Emmanuel, Olivia Matela and Kalia Saunders each scored nine points. The Saints posted season-low percentages of 21.1% from the field and 19% from long range in the loss.

Up next, the Lasers travel to New England College for a 1:30 tip-off on Saturday (1/18) in GNAC action. Emmanuel will continue GNAC play on Saturday with a visit to Norwich University, set to tip-off at 3:00 PM.