NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Taylor McKay recorded a career-high scoring game in Niagara's 68-55 loss to Monmouth on Friday.

McKay led Niagara in scoring with a career-high 20 points. She also pulled down eight rebounds and had five steals, tying her career-best.

"Taylor did a great job coming off the bench," said head coach Jada Pierce. "That's what you expect from seniors; to step up. She had some really good shots and it's nice to see her get a career-high."

Sam Lapszynski narrowly missed a double-double with 15 points and eight rebounds. McKay and Lapszynski led the Purple Eagles in rebounding. Freshman Jayla Nichols started the first game of her career and added seven points for the Purple Eagles.

Niagara (6-20, 4-13 MAAC) held the Hawks, the second-highest scoring offense in the MAAC, to only 13 points in the first quarter. After four straight free throws from McKay, the Purple Eagles trailed narrowly, 13-9, going into the second quarter. A big steal and score by McKay to open the second quarter put the Purple Eagles down by only two points, 13-11. However, Monmouth (10-16, 8-9 MAAC) began to pull away and going into halftime, Niagara trailed the Hawks, 34-18.

The Purple Eagles picked it up in the third quarter; Monmouth outscored them by only one point, 23-22. All seven of Nichols' points came in the third, including a 3-pointer to close out the quarter. The Hawks were ahead, 57-40, going into the final quarter. In the fourth quarter, McKay added six points to earn her a career-high.

The Purple Eagles close out their home schedule on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. when they host the Manhattan College Jaspers.

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