ROSEMONT, PA- The Highlanders played three truly great quarters against the Ravens Wednesday night, stifling the raucous Rosemont home crowd, until tired legs allowed the Ravens to come back and win the contest 79-64.
 
The Highlanders leapt out to a 10-4 lead thanks to a three from Aigner Bookard and consistent play from the Stum sisters, Kendra and Tori. Bookard would knock down another three, and freshman Jenna Krage would splash in two of her own to stretch the Highlanders lead to 22-13 at the end of the first quarter. While the Highlanders scoring output dipped a bit in the second quarter, the Highlanders handled Rosemont's pressure and played a swarming zone defense to force the Ravens into numerous tough shots. Payton Emerick was all over the court in the first half, tallying 10 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Highlanders to a 35-28 first half lead.
 
Rosemont found their offensive stride in the third quarter, slashing through the Highlanders zone for layups, but Cairn was not deterred, leaning on Emerick and Kendra Stum to create offense and match the Ravens basket-for-basket. Two free throws from Victoria Stum gave the Highlanders a 51-44 lead heading into the fourth, with an upset not too far away on the horizon. The Highlanders did an excellent job to resist the Ravens pressure defense for three quarters; but the atmosphere changed in the fourth as the Ravens ratcheted up the pressure demanding even more from Cairn's ball handlers. Unable to withstand the mounting pressure, the Highlanders struggled a bit with turnovers down the stretch and were overcome by the Ravens by a final score of 64-79.

Payton Emerick lead the Highlanders with another double-double to the tune of 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Victoria Stum also tallied a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. 
 
The Highlanders will finish their season at home this Saturday at 1:00 PM against the Neumann University Knights. Come out and support the Highlanders as they seek a final win for the 2017-18 season.