WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team played their third game of the season this afternoon when they traveled to Saint Leo to face the Lions. The Sailfish continue to look for their first win early in the season as a game of two different halves saw the 'Fish fall 81-57 to Saint Leo.

The Lions jumped out to an early lead against the 'Fish as they opened the game on an 11-2 run. The Sailfish were able to battle back as they regained the services of three missing pieces in their last outing including the return of Alisa Marlow who came off the bench to score six points in the first quarter on 2-of-2 shooting from the floor. The Sailfish were able to intensify their defense and force seven Saint Leo turnovers in the first quarter. After shooting 6-of-20 from the field, the Sailfish trailed 21-18. 

The Sailfish went on a quick run early in the second quarter to take a 28-27 lead behind scoring Sia Williams and Maria Benitez-Zayas. Zayas scored seven in the quarter as she was able to capitalize on her trips to the free-throw line going 5-for-6. Williams scored six points while pulling down five rebounds in the quarter as the Sailfish went to the locker room up 34-33. PBA shot 6-of-14 in the quarter while holding the Lions to 5-of-22 shooting. 

After battling back from their early deficit, the Sailfish were hit with a 14-0 Lions run to open up the second half. The Sailfish went 5:02 into the third quarter without a basket before Zayas broke the scoring drought. The 'Fish were just 4-of-13 and committed eight turnovers in the quarter that saw the Lions outscore PBA 25-9 to retake control of the game. The fourth quarter was more of the same as the Sailfish were outscored 23-14. The Sailfish were 4-of-13 again in the fourth quarter while the Lions shot 47 percent from the floor. 

The Lions had four players score in double figures led by Kiki Mcintyre's 14 and 8 rebound performance. The Sailfish were solid defensively, holding the Lions to 29-of-77 from the floor and 4-of-18 from three, but offensively the 'Fish were only able to hit 20-of-60 from the field and 2-of-14 from three. PBA was able to get to the line effectively throughout the night but went just 15-of-27 from the stripe. Benitez-Zayas led the way with 14 points while Williams recorded a double-double, 12 points and 11 rebounds. Alissa Marlow and Maiyah Fletcher contributed off the bench scoring eight points apiece. 

Up next, the Sailfish will return to Rubin Arena where they will take on the Barry Buccaneers for the second time this season. The Bucs are 3-1 on the year and defeated the Sailfish 59-50 at home in the previous meeting.