PITTSFORD, NY – The Union College women's basketball team fell to 1-1 on the season on Saturday afternoon as the St. John Fisher College Cardinals defeated the Dutchwomen, 44-41, inside manning and Napier Varsity Gymnasium on Bobby Wanzer Court. 

After a low scoring first half of action that saw Fisher hold a six-point lead, 22-16, at intermission, the Dutchwomen would climb to within three points in the third quarter after scoring five of the game's next seven points to make it 24-21.  The Cardinals would push its lead to eight points as they would score five quick points including a 3-pointer from the corner to give the Cardinals a 29-21 edge. The advantage would grow to 10 points after two free throws from Fisher's Chelsea Repard, but Union countered with a jumper of its own as both teams headed to the final period with Fisher ahead, 35-27.

In the final stanza, Union applied full-court pressure and was able to force the Cardinals to turn the ball over as the Dutchwomen climbed back into the game courtesy of an 11-4 run that tied the contest at 41-41 with 1:24 left to play.

Up by one with time dwindling, Fisher earned a trip to the foul line, but couldn't cash in as Union brought the ball across the timeline with a chance to take the lead with 53 seconds showing. The Dutchwomen worked the ball around and settled for a jumper, but fouled the Cardinals on the rebound. With the contest still knotted at 41 points apiece, Fisher sank the first free throw and had the one-up advantage. 

Trailing by one, 42-41, with 19 seconds remaining in the game, Union called timeout to draw up one final play.  The Dutchwomen tried to work the ball inside, but the Cardinals came up with a big steal and buried the ensuing foul shots to give Fisher some breathing room, 44-41.  Union had one final attempt, but a blocked shot secured the non-conference win for St. John Fisher.

IreLee Ferguson had a game high 14 points and was 6-for-11. Nicole Conley had four of Union's five blocks as well as four assists.

Overall, Fisher was 16-for-49 (.327) from the floor, and held Union to just 14 made field goals all game (14-for-46, .304).  The Dutchwomen committed 23 turnovers.

Union will return to action next Friday night at 6 p.m. against William Smith College in the Viniar Center.