FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic women's basketball team ) fell to Seattle Pacific University, 53-42, in a neutral-site matchup. The Sailfish recorded 14 steals and converted those into 12 points off turnovers, but were unable to overcome a fourth-quarter surge by Seattle Pacific.
KB Hadley scored eight points and made six free throws while also tallying four steals.
Blanche Toualeu contributed with nine points and collected six rebounds.
Breeje Schuler added five points and recorded five steals.
Darria Whitley scored four points and registered two steals.
The opening quarter saw the 'Fish engage in tense back-and-forth action with Seattle Pacific. The Sailfish capitalized on turnovers, converting six steals into transition opportunities, yet struggled with shooting consistency, hitting only 3 of 14 from the field. A timely 3-pointer by Wallhoff at 2:54 tied the score at 6-6, setting the stage for a tight contest. Despite trailing by three with seconds left, Whitley's two free throws at 0:04 narrowed the gap, concluding the quarter with Palm Beach Atlantic trailing 11-10.
The Sailfish gained momentum midway through the second quarter with Allen's 3-pointer at 6:20, leveling the score at 15-15. Toualeu facilitated the play with an assist, setting the tone for the remainder of the quarter. Hadley further extended the lead by going perfect from the line, scoring four crucial free throws, including two at 00:10, which secured a 27-21 advantage. Palm Beach Atlantic outscored Seattle Pacific 17-10 in the quarter, entering halftime with a 27-21 lead.
The Sailfish rallied in the third quarter with a pivotal layup by Smith at 5:00, assisted by Whitley, which briefly put them ahead 31-30. Schuler contributed by converting two free throws to tie the game at 29-29 earlier in the quarter. However, despite a strong defensive effort that included a key steal by Hadley, the Sailfish struggled with turnovers, committing seven in the quarter, which allowed Seattle Pacific to reclaim the lead. The third quarter concluded with Seattle Pacific leading 36-34.
Palm Beach Atlantic began the fourth quarter with McCallister hitting a 3-pointer at 9:27, briefly taking the lead. Their momentum was halted as Seattle Pacific responded with consistent scoring, including a fast scoring sequence that pushed the home team's advantage. Despite efforts from players like Whoodley, who added points with a free throw at 2:27, the Sailfish struggled to close the gap. The quarter concluded with Seattle Pacific pulling away to secure a 53–42 victory, as the 'Fish were unable to overcome turnovers and missed opportunities.
The Sailfish return home on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. when they take on Lynn inside the Rubin Arena.