RICHMOND, Va. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team faced its most difficult challenge of the season so far as they played on the road against the No. 5 ranked Virginia Union Panthers this afternoon. The Sailfish dropped their second game in as many days against a ranked opponent as the Panthers were victorious 91-57. The Sailfish record drops to 1-4 on the early season with three of the defeats being against top-25 opponents.

The Sailfish came out of the gates cold from the field against the Panthers. They started the game on a nearly six-minute scoring drought before hitting back-to-back three-pointers. Unfortunately, some of the same problems appeared in today's game that have hurt the 'Fish early this season. The Panthers put on a full-court press throughout the game and scored 28 points off of 21 PBA turnovers. Also, the Sailfish were unable to protect their defensive glass and surrendered 20 offensive rebounds. This allowed the Panthers to take 17 extra field goal attempts in the first half where they shot 43 percent (19-44) from the field. The Sailfish were able to make five threes in the first half but only made two baskets inside the three-point line. After shooting 26 percent in the first half, the 'Fish trailed 47-24.

The Panthers were led by guard Shareka Mcneill who averaged 25 ppg during Virginia Union's 28-3 season last year. The skilled junior was able to have her way today scoring 42 points in just 27 minutes played. PBA was led by the trio of guards Avree Carpenter, Sia Williams, and Victoria Self who all scored 11 points each. Williams and Carpenter have been the leading scorers in every game this season averaging 17 ppg each. The offense looked better in the second half for the Sailfish as they shot 48 percent from the field and scored 33 of their 57 points but the deficit was too large from the first half to overcome.

After a tough two day road-trip, the 'Fish will return to Florida to face a 1-1 Flagler College team in St. Augustine on Nov. 20. PBA will then open SSC play on Nov. 23 at home against Eckerd College.