OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team saw its first half lead slip away during its first game of the new year on Thursday, dropping a 69-59 decision to Great Midwest Athletic Conference newcomer Walsh University in the two teams first ever meeting.

The Panthers move to 6-6 overall and 2-6 in the conference while the Cavaliers improve to 8-5 overall and 5-2 in the G-MAC.

 Sharp shooting and strong defense allowed the Panthers to build up an eight point lead after the first quarter.  The Panthers held Walsh scoreless for nearly the first four minutes, going on an 8-0 run to start the game.  Keelie Lamb scored 12 points in the first 10 minutes, helping Kentucky Wesleyan take a 22-14 lead after the opening frame.

The Cavaliers pulled within one in the second quarter but the Panthers utilized a 9-2 run to regain a 31-23 lead.  Emma Wolfe drilled a free throw and a three pointer in the final 90 seconds to put Kentucky Wesleyan ahead 35-31 at the break.

Walsh took its first lead of the game with a three pointer at the 3:26 mark of the third quarter.  Jasmine Shelt tallied a fast break lay up in the final seconds of the frame, leaving Walsh's lead at three points entering the final quarter.

Less than two minutes into the final frame, Walsh went ahead by 10, the first time either team held a double digit lead.  Another 9-2 run from the Panthers pulled them within three, capped off with a pair of free throws from Addie Reimbold with 5:32 remaining.

Jenna Martin nailed a three pointer with 64 seconds remaining, cutting the deficit to four but Kentucky Wesleyan was unable to complete the come back, falling 69-59.

Lamb finished with 16 points for her fifth double figure scoring game of the season.  Wolfe also reached double figures, scoring 10 points and one block.  Martin dished out a team high four assists while Lily Grimes led the team with seven rebounds.

The Panthers remain home this weekend, hosting Malone University at 1 pm CT on Saturday.

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