Erin McQuillen had 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists and Madi Welliver also posted in double figures with 10 points and added eight rebounds but the Susquehanna University Women's Basketball team dropped the Susquehanna Trailways Tip-off final in a tight matchup with Nazareth College Sunday afternoon in Selinsgrove.

The Golden Flyers (2-0) surged to an early lead, scoring nine points to the River Hawks' (2-1) four points in the opening three minutes of action.

A layup by Welliver and a basket by Bailey Trell cut into the lead, but Nazareth went on a 7-2 run to take a nine point advantage.

A layup by Maddie Murray trimmed the deficit to 19-12 to close out the first quarter.

After an opening bucket by the Golden Flyers, the River Hawks went on a run of their own to knot the score up at 24. Amalia Esposito, Amanda Lemire, Welliver and Alana Connolly all scored during the strong stretch of play.

The remainder of the game went along with very little separation from either side.

A made jumper by Welliver briefly gave Susquehanna its first lead of the game, but Nazareth went on a little run to take a 33-30 at the half.

The third quarter was truly back-and-forth, as neither team led by more than a possession. McQuillen and Welliver led the team in scoring in the period, with Rachel Sweger adding a bucket as well.

The final ten minutes of play saw both defenses step up.

Susquehanna had a two point lead with less than two minutes remaining, but four made free throws by Nazareth compared to just one made free throw for the River Hawks gave the Golden Flyers a 60-59 edge.

With less than a minute left, the team had several good looks at the basket to take the lead back, but were unable to convert.

Two consecutive free throws made by Nazareth and a Susquehanna five-second violation cemented the win for the Golden Flyers and River Hawks lost a close one, 63-59.

McQuillen and Welliver earned spots on the Susquehanna Trailways All-Tournament team after their solid showings.

The team continues its season Sunday, November 25^th when it travels to Lycoming for a late afternoon contest starting at 4 p.m.