The SVC women's basketball team fell to the host school in the championship match of the Messiah College Tournament by a score of 60-42.

Messiah is ranked #11 in the nation.

The Bearcats took an early 7-4 lead behind four straight points from Kayla Slovenec, but the hosts then took control, outscoring Saint Vincent by a margin of 18-2 over the final 7 1/2 minutes of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the game became much more balanced, with Messiah taking a 40-19 lead into the break.  

Saint Vincent played a strong second half, outscoring the hosts by a 23-20 margin over the final 20 minutes, but the first quarter deficit was too much to overcome.  

Jenna Lafko led SVC with 10 points on the day, while Slovenec added 8.  Paige Montrose led the team in rebounds with five.  Lafko and Slovenec played well defensively, recording four steals each. 

Saint Vincent is now 2-2 on the season, and will return to action on Saturday, November 24, traveling to Meadville to face Allegheny College at 2PM.