PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – It was a slow start that haunted the Plattsburgh State women's basketball team in a 67-53 loss to the Fredonia Blue Devils on Friday night.
 
The Cardinals only managed 25-percent shooting in the first half, trailing 31-18 at the break. Devona Paul led all Cardinals with eight points in the first half.
 
It was a physical first and second quarter, however not many free throw opportunities presented themselves for either team.
 
The Cardinals finally got cooking in the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Devils 20-15.
 
In the end, it was a combination of the slow start and turnovers that dug Plattsburgh State in a hole that it just could not get itselves out of.
 
Paul, along with teammates Stephanie Linder and Allie Taylor, finished in double figures for Plattsburgh State. Paul tallied a game high 16 points and 13 rebounds despite the double and triple coverage from the Blue Devils. Linder scored 13 points, grabbed six boards and recorded five steals, while Taylor dropped 12 points and five rebounds.
 
Jacque Law paced Fredonia with 14 points. Sarah Sweazy nearly recorded a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds.
 
The Cardinals are now 6-4 overall and remain winless in conference play. The Blue Devils improve to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in conference matchups.
 
Plattsburgh State will look to fix its mistakes in time for Saturday's 2 p.m. tip off with the Bengals of Buffalo State to be held in Memorial Hall.