(Valhalla, NY) - Four Vikings scored in double figures, and freshman Jailine Ruiz (Bronx, NY/Bryant HS) had a solid all-around game with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals, but the Westchester Community College Women's Basketball team concluded the 2019 portion of their schedule with a 69-59 loss to Monroe College - Bronx on Tuesday night at Viking Gymnasium. With the loss, Westchester heads into the break with a 6-8 overall record.

A back and fourth first half saw six different lead changes. The Vikings led by as many as six during the final minute of the opening stanza, and led 16-15 after 10 minutes. 40 seconds into the second quarter a Donjeta Prelvukaj (Bronx, NY/St. Catharine) lay-up put Westchester up 18-15. However, from there, Monroe (8-5) went on a 15-2 run to take a 30-20 lead with five minutes remaining before halftime. With Monroe up 32-22 with 3:33 to play in the first half, Westchester turned things on. Ruiz herself went on a 7-0 run to end the first half with the Express leading 32-29.

However, Westchester missed its first nine shots of the second half, and did not record a basket until a Ruiz lay-up with 4:44 remaining in the third quarter. By then, Monroe had extended the lead to 43-31. From there, Westchester outscored the visiting Express the rest of the way, but it was not enough to complete the comeback. A Ruiz lay-up with 7:22 to play in the game made it a 51-48 game, but 10 straight Monroe points put the game away.

Prelvukaj finished the game with 16 points and five rebounds, while freshman Tina Fabrizi (Mamaroneck, NY/Mamaroneck HS) had 11 points and eight rebounds. Also for Westchester. freshman Bria Lockley (Yonkers, NY/High School for Teaching and Professions) added 10 points and five rebounds.

Westchester struggled on the boards as the Vikings were out-rebounded 54-39, and Monroe converted 40% of their field goal attempts, compared to 33% by the Vikings. Westchester did win the turnover battle, forcing 17, while committing only 14.

Westchester CC returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 7 when the Vikings host the Monroe College JV team at 5:00 p.m.