Alfred, NY -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's basketball team returned to action on Wednesday night, taking on Alfred State on the road. The Panthers fell behind after a high-scoring first quarter and eventually lost to the Pioneers 85-59.

Both teams struggled at the start, remaining scoreless after a minute of play. The hosts opened up the scoring after 80 seconds and went on to tally the first 20 points of the contest. After three minutes, Amaria Mims got the Panthers on the board with a midrange jumper. The Pioneers eventually extended their lead to 19 points before Ella Gettings made a basket and Molly Cady added another a possession later. Dalayla Alexander added a late three-pointer, but Alfred State outscored Pitt-Bradford 8-2 down the stretch to take a 36-14 lead to the second. 

Amber Murak made a layup early in the second period; however, it was matched by the hosts, who scored 12 points before the Panthers scored again. Alexander ended the stretch, and then Mims added a layup and two free throws, putting the Panthers behind 52-22 at the break.

The Panthers had a stronger performance after halftime, as they were able to outscore the Pioneers 20-14 in the third period. The Panthers allowed six early points, but then settled down defensively and limited the hosts to eight more points for the remainder of the quarter. Murak got the Panthers rolling with a three, and then tacked on two free throws. After Alexander added a short jumper and a three-pointer, Gettings scored 4 points, and Murak hit another layup, moving the game to the fourth with Pitt-Bradford trailing 66-42.

The Pioneers had another strong start to the 4th, once again posting a long scoring run to begin the period. Murak made a jumpshot to slow the rally, but the hosts were able to continue to score, pushing their advantage to 32 points. Following a Murak layup, Gettings converted a three-point play for the Panthers. In the final minutes, Alexander made a pair of threes for the Panthers to finish the game 85-59.

Dalayla Alexander led the Panthers with 16 points. She also tallied 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in the loss. Ella Gettings recorded a double-double for Pitt-Bradford, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Amber Murak hit double figures with the Panthers, scoring 14 points. Amaria Mims added 8 points off the bench.

The Panthers fall to 0-20 on the season with the loss, and 0-12 in AMCC play. They will return home this weekend, as they host Carlow in doubleheader AMCC action. Tipoff is slated for 2:00 p.m.