ROCHESTER, NY -- The RIT (10-13, 6-8 Liberty League) women's basketball team was defeated by Union College 56-53 in Liberty League action from Tuesday night. The loss drops the Tigers to 10-13 overall and out of Liberty League Tournament contention and the win keeps Union in the thick of the race at 7-7 in the league. Union (11-11 overall) is tied with Skidmore, one game out of third and fourth place, as Vassar and William Smith are both 8-6.

The Tigers led by as many as six in the second half, but trailed late before Kayla Wheeler hit a layup to give RIT a 53-52 advantage with just 44 seconds to play. Union came right back down the court and took a one point lead off of a jumper by Amy Loya. The Tigers turned it over on the following possession and were forced to foul Shayla Madden, who hit both her free throws to push the lead to three, tying their largest lead of the game. With just 12 seconds remaining, RIT was unable to get a shot attempt and fell by three.

Wheeler led RIT with 13 points, while Leslie Havens chipped in with 12 points and five rebounds. Brittney Kenney led the way for the Dutchwomen with 13 points, while Kate Thompson added 10 points and nine boards. Amy Loya scored 12 points. RIT shot 43 percent (21-for-49) but were outrebounded by Union 38-33.

The Tigers started out strong with an 8-2 run to begin the game, but the Dutchwomen fought back, taking their first lead of the game midway through the half. The teams traded buckets over the final 10 minutes, with RIT coming out on top after the first, 28-27.

Union hosts Clarkson Friday night at 6 p.m. for Senior Night, as Rachel Beaulac and Mary Donohue will be honored. Union ends the regular season at Skidmore Saturday.