WILKES-BARRE, Pa.– Eastern University Women's Basketball fell into an early hole and was unable to recover in an 88-59 loss at King's to open the MAC Freedom season.

Down several players to injury, the Eagles came into the game knowing they had to avoid foul trouble. As often seems to happen, playing not to foul turned into almost instant foul trouble. The Monarchs shot 14 first-quarter free throws on the way to a  28-13 lead. At the other end, The Eagles shot only 6-of-14 from the floor in the frame and took just two free throws.

Eastern (4-4, 0-1 MAC Freedom) traded baskets with the Monarchs through the second period, but the depth of the squad was tested further by foul trouble and injury. Regie Robinson picked up her third foul early in the period and Jaelyn Harris left the game and spent much of the period getting attention from the athletic training staff. Jaelyn Harris returned to scored a team-high 12 points. She played nearly 16 minutes in the second half.

Brianna Young-Harris, just back from injury, played 17 minutes off the bench in the first half. The junior forward finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

The second half had some moments, but with Robinson playing less than five minutes, all the roles shifted and fatigue began to take a toll.

Viki Kneis finished with ten points. The junior forward grabbed five offensive rebounds. and blocked a pair of shots.

The Eagles shot just 37 percent from the floor. The Monarchs had a 26-9 edge in points off turnovers.

"We did not execute our game plan on defense and we picked up some silly fouls." Head Coach Eric Houston said. "We will recover. We need to get healthy and learn from some of the mental mistakes that hurt us tonight."

The Eagles play their final home game of the semester on Saturday against Delaware Valley. The Aggies opened the MAC Freedom schedule with a home loss to Manhattanville tonight. Eastern FTK is sponsoring a Christmas sweater event. Eastern fans are encouraged to show their support for the Eagles, Eastern FTK, and kids with Cancer by wearing a favorite Christmas sweater to Saturday's doubleheader. There will be gifts, prizes, and contests for those participating in the event. The game will start at 1:00 pm.