WEST HARTFORD, CONN. - Finishing up a three game road trip and looking to rebound following their first loss of the season, the Bard College women's basketball team suffered a 63-54 defeat to the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) Wednesday evening.

The Raptors (4-2) found themselves behind early, as the Blue Jays (5-3) scored the first seven points of the game. Bard was able to get on the board following a three pointer from senior guard Caleigh DeCaprio, but were unable to build off the basket as USJ rallied for a 10-4 run and ended the first quarter with a 17-9 lead.

Bard cut the deficit to six points following a basket by sophomore guard Christina Kiser early in the second, but the Blue Jays scored another seven unanswered points to take a commanding lead. The home team was able to tack on a few baskets late in the half and took a 37-16 advantage into the locker roon.

The teams traded baskets coming out of the break, with USJ still holding a 21 point lead late in the third. The Raptors were able to pick up a few points late in the quarter, cutting the Blue Jays lead to 17 heading into the final period.

In the fourth, Bard attempted to mount a comeback, opening up with a 10-3 run in the first three minutes to get within 10. In the final minutes, DeCaprio and sophomore guard Jess Rylander made back-to-back three pointers to cap off an 8-0 run and bring the Raptors to within five points. Unfortunately, the visitors ran out of time, as USJ made free throws down the stretch to put the game away and pick up a 63-54 victory.

Kiser led the Raptors with 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Rylander added 14 points and eight rebounds on the night. Freshman forward Marissa Munsell helped out with eight points and five rebounds, while DeCaprio picked up eight points and grabbed three rebounds.

The Raptors return to the court Friday, Dec. 6, when they kick off Liberty League play with a home matchup against Ithaca College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.