BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The 7th ranked Northampton women's basketball team dropped a non-conference match-up to Division II Raritan Valley on Thursday evening, falling 63-51, at the Arthur L. Scott Center. 

The Lions used a strong 1st quarter to take a 9-point lead (21-12) that they would not relinquish, in downing the Spartans.  Northampton held the nationally-ranked Lions to just 34% shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers, but struggled on the offensive end, connecting on just 32% of their attempts from the field and 36% from the charity stripe.

"Overall, a strong effort against a very talented RVCC team tonight," commented Head Coach Terrence Bomar, "while we are never happy with a loss, I am optimistic about some of the things I saw tonight from our team."

Shanaiya Ellis (Allentown, PA/William Allen) led the Spartans with 18 points, while Kania Day (East Stroudsburg, PA/East Stroudsburg South) added 8 points, 5 blocked shots and 12 rebounds.  Kamauri Gordon-Bey (Red Lion, PA/Red Lion) added 8 points and 11 rebounds, including 4 on the offensive end. 

The loss drops Northampton to 11-3 overall, with all 3 losses coming vs. Division II opponents. 

Rartan Valley improves to 15-2 overall. 

The Spartans return to action on January 25th when they travel to Blue Bell, Pa. to face Montgomery County Community College.