The Misericordia University women's basketball team closed out its first semester schedule with a tough 55-45 loss to Eastern, Saturday afternoon in the Anderson Center.

The Eagles used a 12-0 run over a six-minute span of the fourth quarter to break a 39-39 tie.

Alyssa Bondi led MU with 16 points while Skylar Bianchi had 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Skylar Dowling made a layup to open the fourth quarter to pull the Cougars even, 39-39, but the Cougars didn't score again until Bondi's three-pointer with 2:34 to play.

The teams traded baskets throughout a fast-paced first quarter with Bondi's runner giving the Cougars their first lead, 8-6, with 4:51 to go in the opening period.

Down 12-8, Bondi drained a three-pointer from the left wing and Bianchi hit a short jumper in front of the basket to give the Cougars a 13-12 lead with :34 to play.

Eastern went back in front, but Caitlyn Landgraf answered with a putback at the buzzer to put Misericordia up 15-14.

The Eagles built a 30-17 lead late in the second quarter before MU rallied in the final minute of the half.

Bondi drilled a deep three-pointer from the top of the key and Katie Ryan sank two free throws with 0.5 left to cut the margin to 30-22.

MU fell behind 34-25 early in the third quarter but charged back with a 10-1 run over a four-minute span to get within one.

Bianchi scored off a fastbreak and added two free throws to pull within 34-29. 

Grosch slashed to the hoop from the left side and Bondi made a floater in the lane to cap the spurt and get MU within 36-35 with 4:16 left in the third period.