LANGHORNE, Pa. – The Cairn University women's basketball team won, 61-57 at home against Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) opponent Bryn Athyn College on Monday.
 
Cairn (4-5, 2-2 CSAC) got in an early hole, falling behind Bryn Athyn (2-3, 1-3 CSAC) at the end of the first quarter, 13-10. In the second stanza, the Highlanders responded with an 11-1 run to start the period to take a 21-14 lead at the 4:36 mark. Cairn led 25-21 heading into intermission. The Highlanders continued to control momentum for most of the third frame, extending their lead to 12 (37-25) at the 4:18 mark. However, the Lions regained the advantage, closing the third period on a commanding 14-1 run to take a 41-38 lead into the final quarter. Both teams traded leads throughout the final period and the Highlanders held a 51-48 advantage with 3:39 left. On the next possession, Cairn senior Markie Watson (Jupiter, FL / Holy Cross Academy) buried her third three pointer of the contest to give Cairn a six-point lead. The Highlanders fended off a late Bryn Athyn charge from there and sank their free throws to claim the victory.
 
Cairn shot 32.8% (21-64) compared to 32.9% (24-73) for the Lions. The Highlanders edged Bryn Athyn in the rebounding department, 50-46, a season-high for Cairn. The Highlanders dished out 15 assists in the contest and tied a season-high with eight blocked shots.
 
Cairn was led offensively by senior Dakota Hitchner (Ocean City, NJ / Atlantic Christian) who registered a game-high 23 points and dished out a game-high six assists. Hitchner also pocketed a team-high three steals. Watson followed with a career-high 16 points with three triples to go along with six boards and four assists. Freshman Taylor Hinson (Carney's Point, NJ / Collingswood HS) led the Highlanders on the glass with 14 rebounds and eight points, while classmate Caroline Conrad (Bangkok, Thailand / International Community School) posted a game-and career high five blocked shots.
 
Cairn will be back on the court on Wednesday, December 8 when it is back on the road for a CSAC contest at Notre Dame of Maryland University at 7 p.m.