BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton women's basketball, which received votes in this week's NJCAA national poll, dropped their first game of the season on Tuesday evening, falling 75-74 to visiting Camden County College. 

The Spartans, who overcame a 14 point deficit in the 2nd quarter, battled back to take a 5-point lead with 5:12 remaining in the game, but Camden was able to gain control down the stretch to earn the win.

Northampton struggled at the foul line, converting just 6 of 22 attempts, while the Cougars finished 16 of 26 from the charity stripe. The Spartans forced 27 turnovers, but were out-rebounded 70 to 47. 

Anisha Sepulveda (Lancaster, PA/JP McCaskey) led Northampton with 25 points, while Layla Sweatte (Allentown, PA/William Allen) added 24 points. 

"Tough one tonight," remarked Head Coach Carly Gallagher, "we hurt ourselves at the line and just couldn't close the game out.  In the end, these type of games will make us better, but this one hurts tonight."

Raquel Costache (East Stroudsburg, PA/East Stroudsburg North) had 13 points and 11 rebounds, Heaven Dubois (Lancaster, PA/JP McCaskey) scored 10 points and Imaani Mata (Bethlehem, PA/Lehigh Valley Academy) hauled down 10 rebounds.

The loss drops Northampton to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in Region 19.

Camden improves to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the Region.

The Spartans are home on Thursday when they host Passaic County Community College at 5pm.