Fullerton, CA - The Hope International University Royals Women's Basketball Team (6-8, 0-2 GSAC), fell to the Redhawks of Benedictine University (4-6,  1–1 GSAC) on Thursday evening at home in the Darling Pavilion. 

The Royals started the game off strong with a 6-0 run holding the Redhawks scoreless for the first four minutes of play. The Redhawks answered back with a layup to end the Royals run with 5 minutes left in the quarter. A timeout called by Hope International gave the Royals the boost they needed to extend their lead. Following the timeout, Andrea Javier sank a three-point shot assisted by Aliyah Gonzalez to kick off a 10-0 run for the Royals with 1:03 left in the quarter. A steal by Mia Heidt lead Casey Fust to score a layup with 17 seconds left to put the Royals up 16 to end the quarter. 

The Redhawks started off the second quarter strong holding the Royals scoreless for the first three minutes of play. The Redhawks run was ended my Mia Heidt sinking two free throws making the score 17-22 with 7:10 left to play in the half. The Royals struggled to break throwing the Redhawks defense as buckets were sparse for the Royals. The Royals called a timeout with 5 minutes left to play looking to find a second wind before going to half time. Out of the timeout, the Royals had two quick layups by Casey Fust and Amira Austin to keep the Royals in the lead. The Royals ended the half with made layup by Andrea Javier making the score 27-33 

It was a slow start for the Royals coming out of half time as the Redhawks defense stumped The Royals. Natalie Acuna subbed in for the Royals bringing the spark of energy the Royals needed to keep their lead, immediately making an impact with a defensive rebound and a made 3 point basket. With the game within 10, The Royals call a 30 sec timeout. Despite efforts to slow down the Redhawks, last minute baskets brought the game within 3 going into the fourth quarter. 

As the fourth quarter started, the teams traded baskets. The Royals attempted to hold on to their lead but the Redhawks managed to tie the game with less than five minutes remaining. Natalie Acuna scored a layup to put the Royals up two with 4:25 left in the ball game. The Redhawks continued to score, finding ways to keep the game within reach. Despite the Royals two point lead with a minute remaining, last minute free throws by the Redhawks put them up by three to end the ball game, 60-57. 

The Royals will look to bounce back after tonight's loss as they will face the Buccaneers of Park University from Gilbert, AZ this Saturday January 11th at 12pm in the Darling Pavilion.