MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball fell 73-56 to Benedict to open the 2018-19 regular season on Saturday afternoon.  The Sailfish dropped the neutral-site game and will now prepare for a home game against No. 23 Valdosta State on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

The Sailfish got off to a rough start, as they trailed 22-13 at the end of the first period.  The 'Fish made a nice run in the second half however and trailed by just four points at the break.  Ciara Cumbie and Jonika Garvin led the way in the first half with nine points each, as the 'Fish trailed 40-36 at the break.

The Tigers pulled away from the Sailfish in the third quarter, as they outscored the 'Fish 25-12 to open up a double-digit lead they held throughout the remainder of the contest.

Garvin led the 'Fish with 14 points on the day as the senior added eight rebounds.  Cumbie had 13 points and six rebounds, and Aniyah Ross had nine points, nine rebounds, and two blocks on the afternoon.  Mina Salhia finished with eight points and a team-high four assists.

The Sailfish defense struggled to slow down the Tiger offense on the day as Benedict shot 40 percent (28-70) from the field and had three players with over 15 points in the game.