BUFFALO, NY - Despite a hard fought effort, the Villa Maria College Lady Vikings couldn't quite pull even with the Cuyahoga Community College Challengers, falling 64-54 on Saturday afternoon in the Niagara National Insurance Tournament hosted by Erie Community College.

Villa sophomore forward Shaquana Owens (Buffalo, NY/Tapestry) scored a season-high 24 points despite the loss.  She also added three rebounds, two steals and a block.  Freshman Armoni Jordan (Lockport, NY/South Park) also hit the double-figure scoring mark, netting 15 points and added five rebounds and three steals.  

The Lady Vikings (0-3) stayed within striking distance for a majority of the second half but were unable to get within closer than nine points.  The difference came on the boards, where Cuyahoga out-rebounded Villa 45-24.  Villa was able to force 25 turnovers and turned those into 15 points.

The Lady Vikings are back in action Sunday against Columbus State Community College in the second game of the Tournament.

For all updates on the Lady Vikings and the Villa athletic program, follow the Vikings on Twitter @villavikings.