Sadie Comfort had 17 points, Erin McQuillen scored 14 points to go along with eight rebounds and 7 assists and Nevin Hoenninger also contributed 14 points, but the Susquehanna University Women's Basketball team fell in a closely contested game to Neumann University by a score of 78-71 Wednesday evening at O.W. Houts Gymnasium in Selinsgrove.

The River Hawks (3-3) went with a slightly different starting lineup in this contest, as Rachel Sweger and Haley Timko got the starting nods and each scored a bucket early on.

With the game tied at eight, the Knights (5-3) scored the next five points to take a 13-8 lead before jumpers by Bailey Trell and Comfort sandwiched around a bucket by Neumann narrowed the lead to 15-13 after one quarter.

Like the opening period, the second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, as there were five lead changes.

Hoenninger gave the team some energy as she scored seven straight points for the River Hawks to open the quarter, including a three-pointer to give the team a 20-17 lead.

Alanna Connolly scored four points in the quarter as well, but a small run by the Knights gave them a 32-28 edge at the half.

The opening of the second half saw Neumann extend the lead to 40-31 before a 12-2 run led by McQuillen, Hoenninger and Madi Welliver gave Susquehanna a 43-42 advantage.

The lead switched hands several times in the closing minutes of the quarter and Comfort nailed a three-pointer late, but Neumann scored a bucket off an offensive rebound to lead 51-50 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter opened with a  Comfort three, but the Knights went on a 9-2 run before a three-pointer by Amanda Lemire narrowed the gap to 62-58 with 4:31 remaining.

That was as close as the River Hawks would get however, and Neumann made 12 of 13 free throws down the stretch to seal the 78-71 victory.

On top of her 14 points, Hoenninger led the team with two steals while Welliver led with five rebounds.

The River Hawks look to bounce back Saturday when they take on Marywood at O.W. Houts Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.