GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2016) – The Molloy women's basketball team dropped a close game against regional foe Adelphi University on Wednesday (Nov. 30). The Lions fall to 6-2 on the season following the loss, while the Panthers improve to 5-2 with the win. Graduate student Symone Kelly (Wyandanch, N.Y.) led the offensive effort for the second game in a row, posting 14 points in the effort.

Consecutive three-pointers from freshman Kathryn Gibson (Neponsit, N.Y.) tied the score at 10 with just over four minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Adelphi, however, would pull away on an 11-point run, led by six points from Simone Hobdy (St. Albans, N.Y.). Ihnacinse Grady (Amityville, N.Y.) closed the scoring in the opening frame by sinking a three-pointer of her own, bringing the score to 21-13 Panthers.

Baskets from McKayla Hernandez (Windermere, Fla.), Maggie Salomone (Narragansett, R.I.), Kamala Thompson (Selden, N.Y.), and Grady cut the lead to 26-21 in the second quarter. Three-pointers by Hobdy and Fallyn Stephens (Marion, Ohio) extended Adelphi's lead to 11. Grady posted another three-point shot, but was quickly nullified by a three from Niajah Morgan (Bronx, N.Y.). Kelly sunk four points for the Lions to bring the score to 37-28 Panthers at the half.

The third quarter opened with layups from Sierra Schrader (Hopedale, Mass.) and Sierra Clark (Hughesville, Md.). More three-pointers from Thompson and Grady would cut the lead to 41-34 Adelphi with just over seven minutes remaining in the frame. The remainder of the third quarter saw more see-saw scoring, with neither team putting up more than two points in a row. In the fourth quarter, the maroon and white found themselves down 10 points with 5:27 remaining in the game. Six points from Aliyah McDonald (Hempstead, N.Y.) and Kelly cut the score to 61-57. The Panthers put up four points in the following minutes, increasing their lead to eight points with under a minute left to play. The Lions seemed to have a late rally brewing, as McDonald and Thompson posted late points, but time would expire with the scoreboard reading 66-61 in favor of the Panthers.

The Lions shot over 75% from the charity stripe on the evening, including McDonald going 4-for-4 on the line. Kelly was supported by 12 points from Grady and 10 from McDonald. Thompson totaled a team-leading seven rebounds while nabbing three steals. Defensively, Molloy was led by two blocks from Gibson.

Molloy returns to the court on December 7 as they welcome No. 16 Queens College for an in-conference bout. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of admission, Molloy Athletics will be holding a Toy Drive to benefit the John Theissen Children's Foundation. Fans are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the Christmas season for a sick or underprivileged child.