By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

East Peoria, IL - In the opening game of the Illinois Central Holiday Tournament, Cincinnati State fell to Kirkwood Community College 79-61 on Saturday afternoon.

Cincinnati State fell behind by as many as 30 to Kirkwood and struggled from the field and free throw line. The Lady Surge converted just 21 of 57 shot attempts (31.3%), the teams worst shooting performance of the season. Entering the game ranked No. 8 in the nation in team free throw percentage, the team had an uncharacteristic 16 of 34 (47.1%) performance from the line.

Offensively, just two players finished with double figures in scoring. Hannah Stephenson led the team with 11 points to go along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Ericka Fitzpatrick finished with 10 points and 4 assists. Cincinnati State's leading scorer Emily Fite finished with 8 points and 16 rebounds. It was the first time all season that Fite did not score 10 or more points in a game.

Kirkwood, which is ranked No. 2 in the latest NJCAA national poll with an 11-2 record, beat the Lady Surge for the third consecutive time, a streak dating back to March,19 of 2012.

The Lady Surge, who are 7-5 overall, will play in the consolation bracket on Sunday at noon against either Kishwaukee Community College or Lake Michigan College.

For more information on Cincinnati State athletics, please visit -  www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics 

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