The Central women’s basketball team kicked off Northeast Conference play at home on Thursday afternoon with a 79-63 loss to the Saint Francis University Red Flash.  

Despite the loss, senior guard Amaya Williams led the Blue Devils in scoring with a career-high 17 points off the bench. Graduate guard Belle Lanpher contributed 12 points while junior forward Alonna Sellers had her third double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

 Junior guard Natalie Johnson led the Red Flash with 20 points, shooting 8-for-9 from the field and 4-for-5 from behind the arc. Junior forward Jade Campbell added another 19 points and 11 rebounds.  

 The first half was slow on both ends for the Blue Devils who struggled to move the ball and committed multiple turnovers. Saint Francis capitalized on Central’s sloppiness, scoring several fast-break points.  

 By halftime, the Blue Devils trailed the Red Flash 36-24. 

 Saint Francis took their largest lead of the game halfway through the third quarter when they were up 47-27. Central Coach Way Veney made adjustments, such as implementing a press defense to force Saint Francis out of their rhythm.  

 The strategy had an impact as Central forced several turnovers by their opponents, generating fast-break opportunities that slowly chipped away at the deficit.  

 Despite the effort, the Blue Devils couldn’t overcome Saint Francis’s hot shooting and lost 79-63. The Red Flash shot a season-high 56.6 percent from the floor, keeping Central at arm’s length throughout the game. 

 With the defeat, the Blue Devils extended their losing streak to six games, falling to 0-1 in conference play and 1-13 overall this season.  

 Central will hope to bounce back in their second game of a three-game homestand when they take on Mercyhurst University on Saturday afternoon at Detrick Gymnasium.