TAMPA, Fla. – In a match-up between two teams ranked in the WBCA Division II top 10, the ninth-ranked Bentley University Falcons were contained by number five Eckerd College, 71-51, in non-conference women's basketball Saturday afternoon at the Martinez Center. It was the first loss of the season for the Falcons.

It was a strong start for the Falcons, who were up 9-4 after three minutes. Graduate guard Kari Brekke (Appleton, Wis./Appleton North HS) connected on a three, sophomore guard Amanda Kabantu (Portland, Maine/Portland HS) hit a couple jumpers and junior guard Maggie Whitmore (South Portland, Maine/South Portland HS) sank a pair of free throws.

Bentley managed only four points the remainder of the quarter and was down 16-13 after the Tritons scored the final six points.

Eckerd opened the game up in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors 16-8 to take a 32-21 advantge into the halftime break. Six-two senior Ragnheidur Einarsdottlr (Fludir, Iceland) led the Tritons in the half with 10 points and a pair of three-balls.

The 4-1 Falcons got within 12 late in the third quarter, but Eckerd ended hopes of a comeback by scoring the next seven points during a run that overlapped the break between the third and fourth.

Eckerd, 5-1, was led by junior point guard Lauryn Vieira (Haute-Savoie, France), who filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals. Senior guard Maya Price (Bury St. Edmunds, England) added 15 points and six rebounds, and Ragnheidur finished with 13 points.

Bentley's top scorer was freshman forward Ciara Norman (Roebling, N.J./Life Center Academy) with nine points and five rebounds. Brekke followed with eight and Whitmore was one of three Falcons with six points.

Eckerd had the statistical edge in most categories, including field goal percentage (.435-.385), rebounds (33-27) and three-pointers (7-4). In addition, they committed only eight turnovers while Bentley finished with 14.

The Falcons will look to bounce back Sunday when they take on St. Leo University at 2 pm.