Potsdam, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team lost to SUNY New Paltz by a score of 70-52. The Hawks were led by junior Maliqua Fisher who scored a game-high 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field.

The Hawks (5-7, 3-2 SUNYAC) got off to a quick start to begin the first half. After knocking down two of their first three attempts from behind the arc, New Paltz held a 16-8 lead at the 13:30 mark and never looked back. They continued to build the lead with defensive pressure and went into the break with a 41-22 advantage. The Hawks held Potsdam to 25 percent shooting from the field and forced 11 turnovers. On the offensive end, Fisher led the attack with 15 first half points while only missing one field goal attempt. Potsdam was paced by junior Katy Briedis who scored eight first half points and connected on two-of-four attempts from the three point line.

The Bears (4-8, 2-4 SUNYAC) would continue to battle but wouldn’t be able to cut the lead to less than 15 points in the second half. Fisher continued to lead the Hawks and would finish the contest with nine steals, eight rebounds and three assists to go along with her 24 points.

Potsdam was led by sophomore Jessica Kouzan who finished with 12 points and sophomore Hannah Kmiecinski chipped in 11 points and dished out five assists.

New Paltz shot 41.5 percent for the game and owned a 48-33 advantage on the boards while the Bears were held to only 34.6 percent shooting.

The Bears will return to action Saturday afternoon when they travel to Plattsburgh for a 2 p.m. tip-off.