FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team went back out on the road today to play against Sunshine State Conference opponent Nova Southeastern. After an even opening 20 minutes of play, the Sharks pulled away with a run out of the half and handed the Sailfish a 75-62 defeat. PBA's record falls to 3-5 overall and is now 0-3 in SSC play.

The Sailfish started the tough road test strong as they came out of the gate shooting 44 percent in the opening quarter. It was a balanced attack as all five starts hit a shot from the floor in the first ten minutes, led by Kash Ayuso who scored five points in the quarter and PBA led 16-15.

The offense ticked up in the second quarter from both sides as the Sharks took the lead behind a 24-point quarter. The 'Fish shot the ball well from the field and scored 18 points of their own, but it was just three players, Ayuso, Ashleigh Boulin, and Mariyah Fletcher who had to do the heavy lifting scoring all of PBA's points in the quarter. Fletcher had four points and had seven of her game-high 20 rebounds. Her 20 rebounds tied her for the most rebounds in a game in PBA women's basketball history. The Sailfish were within striking distance at the half as they trailed 39-34.

NSU hit the Sailfish with a 12-0 run out of the half to gain firm control of the game. PBA committed nine of their 25 turnovers in the third as they were repeatedly beaten down the floor in transition during the Sharks run. Ayuso added another seven points in the quarter as she would finish with a game-high 24 points. PBA continued to battle back and got the Sharks lead down to 10 at the end of the quarter.

After Fletcher and Ayuso layups to start the fourth quarter, the Sailfish cut the NSU lead down to five. However, that is as close as it would get again as the home side answered with a 9-0 run of their own to pull away. Four players for PBA scored 60 of their 62 points on the afternoon as Ayuso led the way with 24 points while Boulin finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Fletcher had a 10-point and 20 rebound double-double and Jillian Schenk finished the game with 10 points.

The Sailfish have a quick turnaround as they take a break from conference play and host Mount Olive on Tuesday at Rubin Arena. The Trojans have a 3-3 record so far this season.