WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Bay College Norse Women's Basketball Team (7-6) held a double-digit lead on the road, but ended up dropping a 68-67 decision to the #12 ranked Palm Beach State Panthers (9-6).

The Norse were in control early as they built a lead in the first quarter.  Anna Axtell (FR, Menominee, MI) was the spark for Bay.  Her 13 points in the opening frame helped the road team open up an 11-point lead early on.

A Palm Beach State timeout helped turn the tide as Gabriella Toledo (SO, Wellington, FL) hit a pair of three-pointers to help the Panthers close the gap.  Despite that, the Norse led 23-20 after the first period.

The Panthers attack shifted in the second quarter as Isabella Rivera (SO, Milwaukee, WI) shouldered the load.  She put up nine points in the frame, but the rest of the offense sputtered.  They would get just a three-pointer from Toledo and a pair of free throws.

Foul trouble was the only thing that could slow Axtell down.  She picked up her third foul in the second quarter, putting her on the bench.  Lauren Zawada (FR, Bark River, MI) fought for six points, Kyra Anders (FR, Krum, TX) added four.  The Norse outscored the Panthers 19-14 in the frame and took a 42-34 lead into the locker room at halftime. 

The Norse offense sputtered in the third quarter.  Axtell quickly picked up her fourth foul, limiting her time and the rest of the offense failed to find a rhythm, collecting just nine points.

Palm Beach State once again switched their focus as Bree Williams (SO, Mansfield, TX) began to take control for the Panthers.  She picked up six points and Rivera added four more as the host team closed the game to 51-50 heading into the final period.

The Panthers would take their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter.  Williams and Rivera would continue to put pressure on the Norse.  The two teams would go back-and-forth throughout the final period, with neither team able to pull away.  In the final minute of the game the Norse had a chance to take a two-point lead, but split a pair of free throws, opening the door for Palm Beach State.  With the shot clock dead, the Panthers attacked the rim early, sending Mia Lewis (FR, Paterson, NJ) to the charity stripe.  She came up clutch, hitting both attempts to give the Panthers a 68-67 lead.

The Norse had the last possession and out of a timeout, they would get a couple of looks.  Kennedy Sproule (SO, Niverville, MB) just missed on a contested shot from the right side of the lane.  Axtell got the rebound, but in a host of opposing players, didn't have a clean look, and her attempt was long.  The Norse ran out of time and dropped a heartbreaking decision.

 Axtell led the Norse with 15 points.  Zawada and Mckenzie Hoffmeyer (FR, Bark River, MI) each added 13 points.

Rivera led all scorers with 19 points.  Williams had 14 points in the second half, and totaled 16 for the game.  Kyana Poitier (FR, Palm Beach, FL) added ten points.

The Norse will finish up their Florida trip with a game against Florida State College at Jacksonville.  That game, hosted by Palm Beach State, will tip off on Saturday at 3 pm.