HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Seniors Nicole Cartaino and Rachel Edwards combined for 33 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Centenary University women's basketball team in a hard fought 60-54 loss to Immaculata University on Saturday afternoon in Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) action.

A three-pointer from Gina Cocci allowed Immaculata to open up an 8-4 lead with 5:07 left in the first quarter. A traditional three-point play from Cartaino pulled the Cyclones to within one, 8-7 with 4:14 showing on the clock. A jumper from Edwards gave Centenary its first lead of the game, 11-10 with 3:01 left in the stanza. Immaculata scored six of the final 10 points in the period and took a 16-15 lead after 10 minutes of action.

The Mighty Macs pushed their lead to six in the second quarter as Theresa Kearney connected on a pair of foul shots. That gave the visitors a 23-17 lead with eight minutes to go until the half. The Cyclones scored six of the next eight points and pulled to within two, 25-23 with 5:07 showing on the clock. Senior Julia Presant scored four of the six points and assisted on the home team's other basket.

The two teams traded baskets as Edwards' second three-pointer in less than a minute made it a 30-29 game with 3:02 to go until the half. Immaculata pushed its lead back to five, 34-29 with 2:20 left in the stanza. Cartaino scored the final four points of the period and the Cyclones headed into the half trailing by just one, 34-33.

Centenary opened the third quarter on an 8-4 run and took a 41-38 lead with 5:07 left in the quarter. Freshman Danika Brandt accounted for six of the Cyclones' points during that stretch. Immaculata scored seven of the final nine points in the period and took a 45-43 lead with 10 minutes to play.

Immaculata scored six of the first nine points in the fourth quarter and led 51-46 with 7:20 to play. Dia Veneziano had four of the six points during that stretch. A 6-0 run gave Centenary a 52-51 lead with 4:49 showing on the clock. The Mighty Macs closed the game on a 9-2 run and secured the 60-54 win.

Immaculata shot 36.5 percent from the field and made five three-pointers in the contest. Centenary posted a 37.3 field goal percentage and was 8-for-14 from the foul line. The Cyclones held a 48-37 lead in the rebounding battle.

Cartaino powered Centenary's offense with 23 points and 18 rebounds. It was her second straight game with 20 or more points and fourth of the season. It was also the senior's fourth double-double of the season. Edwards contributed 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Presant came off the bench to contribute six points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Amber Ballinger led Immaculata with 17 points and nine rebounds.

The Cyclones are back in action when they travel to Marywood on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.