New York, N.Y.- The Hunter College women's basketball team faced off against local rival, Baruch College in the Hawks' annual homecoming game on Friday evening in the Sportsplex.

Hunter (2-5, 0-1 CUNYAC) came out strong, jumping out to an 11-0 lead in the first six minutes of play. After Baruch (4-3, 1-0 CUNYAC) got on the board, Erin Cosio logged five points for the Hawks to end the first period with a 16-8 edge.

Baruch outscored the Hawks 15-11 in the second quarter, but Hunter was able to maintain its lead as the two teams headed into halftime with Hunter up 27-23.

The Bearcats pushed the pace in the third period overtaking Hunter for the first time of the night, and lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game as Baruch secured a 71-59 win.

Despite the loss, the Hawks outshot their opponent 35.2% compared to 33.8% from the field, and 18.2% over 12.5% from beyond the arc. Hunter managed 36 points in the paint, while holding Baruch to 28 and netted 20 second chance points over the Bearcats' 11, despite falling short on offensive rebounds.

Charles led the Hawks with 23 points, followed by Cosio with 12. Eliah Yode led all players with 18 rebounds on the night, securing a double-double as she netted 10 points.

The Hawks return to the court on Monday Dec. 4 as they host Purchase College in a non conference match-up at 5:00 pm.