NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - The Niagara women's basketball team had runs in spurts, but could not dig itself out of an early hole in its 100-69 defeat to the Duquesne Dukes (2-0) on Sunday afternoon from the Gallagher Center.

“I was disappointed in our effort today; we showed some really good things on Friday, but did not build on them,” head coach Kendra Faustin said.

It was a slow start for both teams until the 3-ball pushed the Dukes ahead with a 15-point lead, 30-15, with 6:49 left in the first half. Niagara (0-2) closed the half strong and Rachele Folino (Novi, Mich.) scored a running lay-up to cut the lead to 39-32 with a 1:05. Duquesne, however, would answer with a 3-pointer at the buzzer to take a 10-point lead into the half.

The Purple Eagles were unable to get under 10 points for the remaining of the game. The Dukes shot 80 percent (8-for-10) from behind the line, while NU only shot 21.4 percent (3-for-14). 

Folino led the team with 14 points, with 12 in the first half. Liz Flooks (White Plains, N.Y.) scored 13 points to score in double-figures in two-straight games to start the season. Sophomore guard Grace Cunningham (East Aurora, N.Y.) played 11 minutes in her first game of the season and freshman forward Jessica Flamm (Orefield, Pa.) made her collegiate debut and scored four points.

Niagara heads to the road for the first time this season when it takes on rival St. Bonaventure on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 12:00 p.m.