The Belmont Abbey women's basketball team suffered a 74-61 defeat at the hands of the Erskine Flying Fleet on Tuesday night. The Crusaders trailed by only four with 10:10 to play, but were unable to get any closer as they were outscored by Erskine 20-11 to finish the game. The loss drops the Abbey to 12-14 overall and 8-9 in Conference Carolinas. Erskine improves to 13-12 overall and 10-7 in Conference Carolinas with the win.

After allowing Erskine to take the early advantage, the Crusaders first lead of the game came with 14:29 remaining in the first half as Kelsey Long drained a three pointer to make the score 9-8. The lead would change hands a total of five times over the next 3:06 as the teams traded baskets. A pair of Elizabeth Tatum free throws capped off the lead changes and gave Erskine a 15-14 advantage with 11:23 to play in the first half. After Porsha Morgan's free throw pushed the Erskine advantage to 16-14, Long tied the game at 16 at the 10:52 mark with a pair of free throws. Erskine responded by outscoring the Crusaders 15-6 to take a 31-22 advantage with 3:37 remaining in the first half. A 7-2 Abbey spurt cut the deficit to 33-29 at the half.

Melisa Foures hit a free throw at the 18:46 mark of the second half to cut the deficit to 33-30 for the Crusaders. Erskine followed with a 13-6 surge that increased its advantage to 46-36 with 14:01 left in the game. A Foures jumper with 10:10 pulled the Abbey within four at 54-50. The Crusaders failed to get any closer however as Erskine closed out the game on a 20-11 run to take the 74-61 victory.

Foures's double double led the way for the Abbey as she scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Caitlyn Ranson also chipped in 16 points while grabbing five boards and dishing out five assists. Candace Fox and Long each scored 10 points for the Crusaders.

Morgan was the top performer for Erskine as she led all scorers with 27 points and handed out five assists. Jana Dixon score 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Elizabeth Tatum contributed 10 points and six rebounds.