FERRUM, V.A. -- The William Peace University women's basketball team lost a close game to the Panthers of Ferrum College on Wednesday evening with a final score of 62-55.

The first quarter got off to a racing start as the Pacers jumped out to a 5-2 lead, with freshman guard, Deja Umstead scoring all five points. Ferrum would answer with a 15-4 swing as they would take the lead back, 17-9, with eight minutes remaining in the second quarter. Jayde Grant would score six unanswered points to bring the Pacers within six points. As the Pacers would make small strides at the deficit, Ferrum would answer with impressive runs of their own. The Panthers would go on a 13-0 run before heading into the half, 36-23. Second chance points and rebounds would strike the Pacers in the first half as the Panthers out-rebounded them, 28-7.

The Pacers came out aggressive in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 18-11 in the third. The run was lead by Mikayla Ray who began the third with a layup followed by an "and-one" possession. With these two plays, the Pacers only trailed 34-42. WPU freshman, Shaniya Taylor answered Ray's enthusiasm with a step-back three-pointer to bring the score within five points. The Pacers rallied to tie the game and take the lead in the fourth quarter for the first time since the second quarter of play, with a steal and lay-up by Ray. As time winded off the clock, the Pacers would be hampered by Panther offensive rebounds as they capitalized on second chance points. With the game tied 55-55 with just two minutes remaining in regulation, Ferrum would go on a 7-0 run to win the game 62-55.

THE BREAKDOWN

• Deja Umstead lead the Pacers with 17 points on the night, going 5-9 from behind the three-point line.
• Mikayla Ray was just two rebounds shy of another double-double, finishing the game with 11 points and eight rebounds.
• Pacer newcomer, Shaniya Taylor, had a breakout night in her first game in the WPU uniform notching a respectable 11 points.
• The Pacers stand (1-1) in conference play, good for fourth place in the USA South East Division.

FOR THE FOES

• Zarkia Maddox lead the Panthers with 26 points and remains the second leading scorer in the USA South Conference. MAddox also pulled down 12 boards.
• The Panthers out-rebounded WPU 49-25.
• 24 of Ferrum's points would come off second chance opportunities.
• Ferrum sits at (3-0) in conference play and is tied for first in the East Division of the USA South.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pacers look ahead to the weekend as they prepare for their game on Saturday, January 6, against Mary Baldwin College at 2:00 p.m. The game will be played in Staunton, VA. Live stats and live video links will be posted when available.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: gopeacepacers.com, Facebook, or follow the Pacers on Instagram and Twitter at @gopeacepacers.