BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team hit the road for the first time in 2023 as they took the short trip down to face the Lynn University Fighting Knights. In a battle for each team to elevate from the middle of the Sunshine State Conference standings, the Sailfish fell behind early and could never recover as they lost 73-53 to fall to 7-6 on the season and 3-4 in SSC play.

The 'Fish started off the game cold from the floor in the opening quarter of play as they hit on just four of their first 15 shots from the field. Kash Ayuso was the bright spot offensively as she scored seven of the team's 10 points in the opening 10 minutes of play. Inversely, the Fighting Knights hit 8-of-15 from the floor and jumped out to a 19-10 lead. 

While the Sailfish shot 75 percent from the floor in the second quarter, it was Sailfish turnovers against a pressure man defense from Lynn that put PBA further behind. The Sailfish had 11 turnovers in the second quarter alone while they were able to force just four from Lynn in the first half. Ashleigh Boulin provided a needed spark off the 'Fish bench as she scored nine in the second quarter but PBA trailed 40-23 at the half.

The Sailfish were just unable to cut into the Fighting Knight lead throughout the second half. Despite shooting 50 percent from the floor in the third quarter and hitting seven free throws, the Lynn lead grew as they shot 8-of-12 from the field. Ayuso was able to score seven in the third quarter to lead the Sailfish. Reigning SSC Player of the Week Mariyah Fletcher was held in check as she scored eight points on 4-of-5 shooting. Ayuso and Boulin were the only 'Fish in double figures as they each finished with 14 points. 

Losing the turnover battle 25-13 was a major differentiator in the game for the Sailfish as PBA finished at a solid 45 percent from the floor in the game. Lynn's Ella Fiore was unstoppable on the night as she had 28 points and was the lone Lynn player in double-figures. 

The Sailfish will look to get back on track this Saturday at Rubin Arena when they host the Florida Tech Panthers. The Panthers are 2-9 and 0-7 in SSC play so far this season.