PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.- The SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team lost to Plattsburgh (5-6, 3-4 SUNYAC) by a final score of 68-54. Kathleen Payne led the Cardinals with a 25 point, 10 rebound performance, including 19 points second half.

The Bears (4-9, 2-5 SUNYAC) were held to just 19 percent shooting (6-of-31) in the first half, including misfiring on their first eight field goal attempts. Senior Kaley Arsenaultknocked down a jumper to get the Bears on the board and end an 8-0 Cardinals run to start the game. Brooke Reifinger proved to be a tough matchup for Potsdam as she scored 10 first half points to lead Plattsburgh to a 34-17 advantage heading into the locker room. Sophomore Jessica Kouzan led Potsdam with five points in the half and freshman Bailey Weigel pulled down five first half rebounds.

The Bears were much more effective on the offensive end in the second half and scored 37 points. A Chenice Russell three point basket closed the lead to 56-42 with 5:41 remaining but that would be the closest the Bears would get. Junior Katy Briedis poured in 16 second half points but Potsdam couldn’t find a way to slow down Payne who entered the game as the second leading scorer in the SUNYAC.

For the afternoon, Potsdam shot 29 percent from the field and 21 percent from behind the arc. The Cardinals connected on 37 percent of their field goals and also 23 percent from the three-point line. The Cardinals held a slim 6 rebound advantage but caused 22 Potsdam turnovers.

Head Coach Tara Ruckh wasn’t happy with the outcome but doesn’t question her team’s effort.

“We are better than how we are playing right now,” said Ruckh. “Our effort is solid but we have to be more consistent for a full 40 minutes. We need to keep working.”

The Bears return to action Tuesday Jan. 17 as they travel to Hamilton College for a 7 p.m. tip-off.