HAVERFORD, Pa.--Three Eastern University Women's Basketball players reached double-figures in the Eagles 71-59 season-opening loss at Haverford, but the host Fords built a 12 point lead at the half and held on for the win. Junior transfer Shante Jones led the Eagles with a game-high 27 points and Bekah Roland added 15 points and 17 rebounds.

The hosts jumped to a 7-0 lead out of the gate, but the Eagles closed the gap to 11-7 on baskets from Roland, Katie Lincoln, and Jones.Haverford then rebuilt the lead and held their edge between nine and twelve points for much of the latte part of the first half. Jones cut the deficit to 39-30 just second before the break, but Haverford's Alejandra Alvarez banked home a 50 footer as time expired to put her side up by 12.

Through the second half the Eagles battled, but they were unable to carve into the Haverford lead. 

"We did not quit," said first year Head Coach Nate Davis, "I think there were times where we started to put our heads down, but then they responded. With just getting Sam [Weaver] back and Mary [Poole] for the first time yesterday, there was a little more confusion than what we would like, but as we have a chance to practice and we get other bodies healthy, I think we will be able to find more sources of offense."

Poole finished her volleyball season in the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night. Lincoln scored 11 points in her collegiate debut. 

The Eagles will have a day to practice before hosting Centenary College in a 7:00 p.m. game on Thursday night.