ASTON, PA- Away against the CSAC's #1 ranked team, Neumann University, the Highlanders put up an excellent fight, falling just short in the end by a final score of 56-64.
 
After a tough loss to Immaculata University earlier this week, and still missing leader Kendra Stum, the Highlanders tempered their expectations heading into tonight's contest. However, the young Cairn team acquitted themselves well, showing no fear and starting off hot in the first quarter to stay even with Neumann over the first 9 minutes and 19 seconds. The Knights pulled ahead at the very end of the first, and used that momentum to jump ahead of the Highlanders in the second quarter. Cairn struggled to secure the ball, ceding 10 offensive rebounds and 16 turnovers; which allowed Neumann to take control and enter the break leading by a score of 32-22. Despite trailing by 10 points, the Highlanders found their groove on offense in the second half, battling back and outscoring Neumann in the fourth quarter.
 
While the Highlanders were able to make great strides and bring the game much closer, they were ultimately unable to contend with the Knights fierce pressure defense and offensive rebounding prowess. In just her second game of the season Jana Goodman poured in 10 points on 4-5 shooting, while Tori Stum also managed 10 points on a 4-5 effort herself. Payton Emerick and Jenna Krage each tallied 9 points of their own to lead the Highlanders efforts.
 
With Goodman playing at a higher level each game, and Tori Stum proving to be a consistent double-digit scorer; the Highlanders will readily anticipate the healthy return of Kendra Stum to bolster their rapidly improving core.  Cairn is back in action on Saturday at 1:00 PM when they host Mid-Atlantic Christian University.