Eastern University Women's Basketball dropped their Freedom Conference opener in a tough 73-56 loss at Manhattanville College. Bekah Roland was hampered by foul trouble through the first half, but still managed to lead the Eagles with 17 points.

The host Valiants enjoyed an early edge at the foul line and surged to an eight point edge midway through the half.

Several times it looked as though the hosts were prepared to pull away, but the Eagles battled to close the gap back to five with just over two minutes to play in the half. The Valiants hit another pair of free throws to earn a 35-28 lead going into the half. Roland led all scorers with nine points on just five shots.

Manhattanville started the second half with an 8-0 run to spread their advantage to 15 points. Coach Levis and her squad scrapped back behind consecutive inside baskets from Hannah Tobin, but the host's pressure defense ultimately proved to be too much as the Eagles were unable to close the gap to less than seven points.

Tobin joined Roland in double-figures with 12 points. Levis said of her team's efforts, “Foul trouble really hurt us early. We gave away too many points on the offensive glass and at the line. We are still figuring out how to make each possession count. We will learn from this and go forward.”

Eastern returns to action Saturday at Wilkes University.

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