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Pitt-Greensburg women's basketball put together a strong first half and led at the break, but a cold third quarter proved costly in a 57-50 loss to Hood College on Saturday afternoon at Chambers Hall.

The Bobcats (1-9, 1-2 AMCC) came out firing, shooting 54.5% in the opening quarter. Jocelyn Bielak opened the scoring and later knocked down a three-pointer to give UPG a 10-7 lead. Ca'Mari Walden added a jumper and a tip-in as the Bobcats closed the first quarter ahead 16-13.

In the second, Pitt-Greensburg extended its advantage thanks to clutch free throws and strong inside play. Autumn Matthews went 6-for-6 from the line in the period to help the Bobcats take a 30-26 lead into halftime.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter as UPG struggled offensively, shooting just 16.7% from the field and 0-for-5 from deep. Hood capitalized with an 18-7 run to grab a 43-37 lead heading into the fourth.

Pitt-Greensburg fought back in the final frame. Bielak hit her second three-pointer at the 6:10 mark to cut the deficit to four, and Matthews added a layup to keep the Bobcats within striking distance. However, Hood converted at the line down the stretch to secure the win despite Abby Henise's buzzer-beating layup.

Top Performers for Pitt-Greensburg:

• Jocelyn Bielak – 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
• Ca'Mari Walden – 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
• Autumn Matthews – 10 points, 6 rebounds, perfect 6-for-6 FT
• GiGi Finch – 7 points, team-high 9 rebounds

The Bobcats dominated the paint with 28 points and shot an impressive 87.5% from the free-throw line (14-for-16), but 20 turnovers and a tough third quarter made the difference.

The team will take some time off over the holidays and return to action December 30th as they host Muskingum for a 4PM tip.