SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Despite some tough defensive play for the duration of the game, the Shippensburg University women's basketball team could not muster enough offensive firepower and fell to St. Andrews Presbyterian 54-48 in the first round of the Wolf's Bus Lines Tournament at Heiges Field House Friday night. The loss is only the second for Lady Raiders in the tournament since 1997, and the first in the opening round. Their only previous loss was to Glenville State in the 2003 championship game.

Shippensburg was received strong performances from its frontcourt duo of senior Shanna Oaddams (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro) and freshman Lauren Beckley (Fairfield, Pa./Fairfield). Oaddams picked up 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Beckley added 13 points, including three from behind the arc, and four rebounds. Junior guard Megan Fogle (Wrightsville, Pa./Eastern York), a preseason All-PSAC selection, had an off night, scoring only two points while committing five turnovers.

In the first half, Shippensburg went without a made field goal for the first 5:23 of the contest, while committing five turnovers during that span. After the basket by freshman Kendra Lehman (Shippensburg, Pa./Shippensburg), Shippensburg would not hit another until a 3-pointer by sophomore Phylicia Bessick (Columbia, Pa./Hempfield) at 9:20, which counted for three of her nine points on the evening. Meanwhile, the Lady Knights only managed eight points themselves during that span. At the half, the Lady Raiders trailed 24-20.

Shippensburg came out hot to start the second period as senior Samantha Ramus (New Cumberland, Pa./Trinity) nailed a 3-pointer. Bessick followed with a jumper in the paint and a free throw for the three-point play with 12:36 left to give the Lady Raiders their first lead, 37-35. An Oaddams layup would make the lead 39-35.

However, the Lady Knights countered with a 12-0 run following a timeout, reclaiming the lead for good. Shippensburg came within 48-45 with three minutes remaining, but could not cut it any closer despite eight missed shots by St. Andrews during those final minutes.

For the game, Shippensburg shot a meager 31.3 percent from the floor, including 5-of-22 from the arc, while committing 27 turnovers. On defense, the Lady Raiders did hold St. Andrews to 31.6 percent shooting while forcing 21 turnovers.

The Lady Raiders will play against Assumption in the consolation matchup tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. The championship game, between Bowie State and St. Andrews Presbyterian, will take place at 6 p.m.