The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team suffered an 81-61 defeat at the hands of the Coker Cobras this afternoon. After jumping out to an early lead the Crusaders were done in by turnovers as they committed 24 in the game compared to only eight by Coker. The loss drops the Crusaders to 11-12 overall and 7-7 in Conference Carolinas. Coker improves to 8-15 overall and 8-6 in Conference Carolinas.

The Crusaders started quickly, taking an 8-3 advantage at the 17:26 mark. Coker responded with a 10-0 run that gave the Cobras a 13-8 lead with 14:15 remaining in the half. The Abbey cut the lead to two at 15-13 at the 13:05 mark, but a 24-7 surge by the Cobras made the deficit 39-20 with 5:44 to play in the half. The Crusaders finished the half with a 7-2 spurt to cut the Coker advantage to 41-29 at the half.

Noel Bullock made one of two free throws to start the second half to cut the Abbey deficit to 41-30 at the 17:53 mark. A 7-2 spurt by Coker made the score 48-32 with 16:12 to play. Paula Regalado's layup at the 13:53 mark capped off a 6-0 run and cut the Coker advantage to 48-38. The Crusaders would get no closer however as the Cobras outscored them 32-19 to take the largest lead of the game at 80-57 with 32 seconds remaining. A pair of jumpers by Bullock and Kelsey Long made the final score 81-61.

Amber Lau scored a game high 24 points to lead the Cobras. Jessica Cohen recorded a double double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Melisa Foures was the high scorer for the Crusaders with a season-high 21 points to go with eight rebounds. Regalado recorded a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The Crusaders shot 43.1 percent (22-51) from the floor, but Coker was better at 48.2 percent (27-56). Coker finished 16-23 from the free throw line, and the Abbey was just 10-14.