WESTMINSTER, Md. – The Franklin & Marshall women's basketball team (3-5, 1-5 CC) was edged, 47-46, on the road at McDaniel (7-2, 3-2 CC) in Saturday afternoon's Centennial Conference (CC) game.

The Diplomats held a 39-33 advantage for its largest lead of the contest just over four minutes into the fourth quarter. From that point McDaniel began a 14-2 run to take a 47-41 lead with 1:26 remaining in regulation. Quinn Galligan knocked down a pair of free throws to get F&M within four entering the final minute of play. Franklin & Marshall made it a one-point game as Lizzie Neville drained a triple with 43 seconds on the clock. F&M denied McDaniel of scoring on the other end as Ally Trebelev forced a jump ball to give possession back to the Diplomats. However, F&M couldn't capitalize as McDaniel escaped with the victory.

McDaniel held a 17-12 lead with four minutes remaining in the first half when the Diplomats surged back in front with a 10-2 run to end the frame. Gia Sioutis and Mackenzie Ward each drained a jumper to start the run. After Molly Flanagan went 2-for-2 at the free throw line, the Green Terror matched on the other end to hold a one-point lead. However, the Diplomats once again jumped out in front of the home team as Ward connected from mid-range with 1:36 left in the quarter. After Jaclyn Feit blocked a shot on defense, she drilled a jumper on offense to put F&M up, 22-19, entering the halftime break.

A back-and-forth third quarter made it tough for either team to gain an edge out of halftime. Tied 30-30 with under two minutes left in the quarter, Sioutis made a layup to give F&M the lead. McDaniel went 1-for-2 at the charity stripe the following possession to get within one. However, Feit hit a jump shot to give the Diplomats a 34-31 lead entering the final frame.
Trebelev led the Diplomats with 10 points, while also registering four rebounds and two steals. Neville followed with nine points and five steals in the contest.

Franklin & Marshall will return to action when it competes in the WPI Tournament in Worcester, Massachusetts at the end of the month. The Diplomats will take on Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) on Friday, December 29 at 6:00 p.m. F&M will then play William Smith on Saturday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. to wrap up 2023.