MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Christian Brothers University women's basketball came out firing but could not sustain its early momentum, falling to the University of Montevallo 80-69 on Saturday afternoon at Canale Arena.

The Lady Buccaneers (0-21, 0-16 Gulf South Conference) dominated the opening period, jumping out to an 18-10 lead with an efficient scoring effort. However, Montevallo (10-12, 8-9 GSC) countered with a methodical comeback, using a dominant second half to seal the victory.

Fast Start for CBU

Christian Brothers opened with an inspired effort, led by Tierney Echols and Valencia McFall. McFall hit a three-pointer and added a basket at the end of the quarter, while Echols shot 3-for-3 from the floor. The Lady Buccaneers held Montevallo to just 10 points in the first quarter while forcing key turnovers.

The momentum was sustained through most of the second quarter with CBU building its largest lead of 14 points at the 6:38 mark. Tarellya Barber's trey off a steal by Echols gave the Lady Bucs the 27-13 lead. The Falcons chipped away at the lead afterwards and back-to-back three-pointers cut the lead to three points before the break.

Montevallo Takes Control

After trailing 33-30 at halftime, the Falcons came out strong in the third quarter. Montevallo outscored CBU 24-20 in the period, taking its first lead with 5:15 remaining in the frame. Jada Hood kept the game from getting out of reach by posting 10 points in the quarter, shooting 8-of-8 from the free throw line.

Christian Brothers struggled to keep pace in the fourth quarter, as Montevallo converted 16-of-24 free throws down the stretch to put the game away.

Key Performers

Hood's 24 points led CBU, while Valencia McFall added 13 points and eight rebounds. Tierney Echols chipped in 12 points and grabbed seven boards.

By the Numbers

CBU shot 44.7 percent (21-of-47) from the field, including 42.9 percent (9-of-21) from three-point range, but struggled from the free-throw line, making just 64.4 percent (29-of-45) of their attempts. Meanwhile, Montevallo dominated the rebounding battle 44-31 and relied on its bench in the later stages of the game (30 bench points compared to seven by Christian Brothers).

CBU returns to action on Thursday, Feb. 13th with a road trip to Alabama Huntsville.