OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Stevenson women's basketball team was unable to overcome an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter as it fell, 61-55, to defending MAC Commonwealth champions, No. 18 Albright on Wednesday at Owings Mills Gymnasium.

The guests, who led 43-39 through three quarters, held Stevenson scoreless for three and a half minutes of the final frame as they stretched their lead to 49-39 with 6:47 to play.  The Mustangs chipped away at the lead, getting as close as four, 56-52 with 31.2 seconds to play after a layup by senior Sara Tarbert, but they were unable take control as they dropped their MAC Commonwealth conference opener.

A three pointer from freshman Hannah Crist gave Stevenson (3-2, 0-1 MAC Commonwealth) a 4-2 lead just over one minute into play when Albright (4-1, 1-0 MAC Commonwealth) tied the score and took the lead on an 11-0 run.  The Lions forced five Mustang turnovers during the stretch.  

With 3:48 to play in the opening period, Tarbert split two defenders and finished a shot in the paint to halt the run.  Stevenson held Albright to just two points through the rest of the quarter, but the Mustangs struggled to convert as they trailed, 15-8 at the end of the first.

The Mustangs forced three turnovers on the first four Albright possessions in the second period as they cut the deficit to just one, 15-14, with just under eight minutes to play.  The teams traded baskets, but the hosts were unable to take the lead.  Stevenson trailed 25-23 at halftime.

In the first half, the Mustangs were held to 29 percent shooting from the floor, while Albright shot 50 percent.  Stevenson led 19-14 on the boards, and 11-10 in forced turnovers.

Tarbert hit junior Kaitlyn VanTash for a layup 16 seconds into the second half to knot the game at 25.  Albright regained its lead, but another layup from VanTash was able to give the Mustangs their first advantage since the opening minutes, 31-30, with six minutes remaining in the third period.  The teams tied the score three times and exchanged the lead four times before the Lions took a 13-8 run to close the period.  

Stevenson finished the game shooting 34.4 percent from the floor compared to 42.6 percent for Albright.  The Mustangs held a 37-35 advantage in rebounding, but the Lions held a 19-18 advantage in forced turnovers, leading to a 21-12 lead in points off turnovers.

Tarbert led Stevenson with 21 points and 13 rebounds.  VanTash totaled 14 points and Crist added 11.

The Mustangs return to action this Saturday, December 3rd when they travel to Widener for a MAC Commonwealth matchup beginning at 1:00 p.m.