BRANCHBURG, NJ - The 8th ranked Northampton women's basketball team dropped a non-conference matchup to NJCAA Division II Raritan Valley Community College on Thursday evening, falling 82-53, at the Lions Den.

RVCC, which received votes in the latest NJCAA Division II national poll, used a 24-9 advantage in the 4th quarter to put the Spartans away.  The Lions shot 46% from the field, including 50% from behind the arc, where they converted 12 of 24 attempts.  The Spartans on the other hand struggled from the floor, converting just 22 of 68 attempts (32%) and only 2 of 19 (10%) from distance.

"Credit RV, they are very talented and well coached," remarked Head Coach Terrence Bomar, "while it is never fun to lose, this type of opponent will help us get better as we move toward postseason."

Shanaiya Ellis (Allentown, PA/William Allen) had 13 points and 9 rebounds, Kania Day (East Stroudsburg, PA/East Stroudsburg South) scored 13 and Xenia Gillis (Yeadon, PA/Penn Wood) notched 12 to lead the Spartans.  Yonique Reynolds (Easton, PA/Wilson) added 8 rebounds and 3 steals. 

The loss drops Northampton to 10-2 overall, while Rartian Valley improves to 14-2.

The Spartans return to Region 19 play on Saturday when they travel to Sussex County Community College for a 12pm tip.