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WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ  -   Monmouth women's basketball came up just short Sunday afternoon, falling 45–44 to Hofstra at the OceanFirst Bank Center on Senior Day. 

Prior to tip-off, the Hawks celebrated their three seniors: Alexis Andrews, Isabella Murray and Ella Farrelly. 

The Hawks (18-10, 11-6 CAA) battled back from a nine-point second-quarter deficit and carried a one-point lead into the final period, but a tightly contested fourth quarter ultimately favored the Pride.

Monmouth struggled to find rhythm offensively early, shooting 34 percent from the field, while Hofstra held a slight edge in time of possession with more than 30 minutes spent in front.

Divine Dibula led Monmouth with 10 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting, while Alexis Andrews added nine points, including a key three-pointer in the first quarter that briefly gave the Hawks their first lead of the afternoon. Alexis Davis provided a spark off the bench with seven points and five rebounds, and Ella Farrelly controlled the glass with a team-high 10 rebounds.

After trailing 21-19 at halftime, Monmouth delivered its strongest stretch in the third quarter. The Hawks shot nearly 54 percent in the period and used an 8-0 run to flip momentum. A late fast-break layup from Farrelly gave Monmouth a 36-35 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter proved to be another defensive slugfest. Both teams combined for just 18 points in the frame, with Hofstra narrowly edging ahead in the closing minutes.

The Hawks outscored Hofstra 28-22 in the paint and held a 40-34 rebounding advantage, but 20 turnovers proved costly.


Notes and Numbers
 

• Divine Dibula finished with a team-high 10 points on Sunday
• Divine Dibula has now tallied double figures in 21 games this season, a team-high
• Farrelly finished with a team-high 10 boards
• The Hawks shot 17-of-59 (28.8%) and 2-of-17 (11.8% from deep
• The Pride shot 17-of-50 (34%) from the field and 5-of-19 (26.3%) from long range
• Monmouth had 20 turnovers while the Pride committed 18 turnovers 
• Kathy Kersaint finished with a team-high three assists 

Up Next
Monmouth will host Towson in the regular season finale on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Pride Night. Thursday's game will be broadcast on FloCollege.