HACKETTSTOWN, NJ- The Highlanders have been on fire since their return from Christmas break, quickly racking up two wins against Medgar Evers College and Notre Dame (MD) University; however, the Highlanders were unable to extend their winning streak this afternoon, losing to the Cyclones of Centenary University by a final score of 49-70.
 
Cairn started out slowly, conceding a 10-2 run over the first 3 minutes, quickly digging themselves into a hole. The Highlanders struggled to break through Centenary's zone, taking numerous highly-contested shots and doing most of their damage from the foul line in the first half. Despite a paltry 19% shooting from the field, as compared to Centenary's 42%, the Highlanders only trailed by 11 points at the break, thanks in large part to their perfect 11-11 performance from the free throw line. The Stum sisters combined for 10 points to lead Cairn's attack, while newcomer Kaylah Cooper chipped in with 5 points of her own.
 
The Highlanders began the second half in much better fashion, as Charlotte Camp converted a turnaround jumper in the lane, and Kendra Stum finished a three point play to close the gap. However, due to the Cyclones whirling ball movement, the Cairn defense was unable to keep the margin close, as a couple layups and key three pointers would stretch Centenary's lead to twenty points at the end of the first quarter. Cooper did her best to bring the Highlanders back early in the fourth, canning three straight three pointers for 9 of her team high 14 points. But, when the final whistle blew the Highlanders were unable to recover from an uncharacteristically poor shooting night, losing 49-70 to bring their record to 4-6 on the season.
 
Cooper led with 14 points, while Kendra Stum tallied 10, and Tori Stum finished with 8 of her own. The Highlanders can chalk this game up to a bad shooting night and look forward to the rest of the season as their roster has been bolstered over the break, with the addition of another guard in Cooper, and two forwards as both Melissa Good and Jana Goodman are closer to full health.
 
The Highlanders have three games next week, but will begin the week when they host Immaculata University at 6:00 PM Tuesday night.