Kings Point, N.Y.- The Hunter College women's basketball team fell short in a hard-fought battle on the road against USMMA on Sunday afternoon.

Hunter's (6-4)  standout player, Alexa Charles, put forth a commanding performance with 13 points and nine rebounds, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line. Her consistency in the paint and effort on the boards set the tone for the Hawks, keeping them competitive against the Mariners (9-1) throughout the game.

Erin Cosio added 11 points, shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc, and provided key buckets during pivotal moments to keep the game within reach. Gianna Henriques also made her presence felt with six rebounds, six points, and two blocks, anchoring the Hawks' defense.

Despite trailing after the first quarter, Hunter outscored Merchant Marine 13-10 in the second period, narrowing the gap and demonstrating their ability to adapt against a tough opponent. The Hawks showed strong ball movement, highlighted by Kimberly Lau's five assists off the bench, and their defense forced 15 turnovers.

However, cold stretches in the fourth quarter proved challenging for the Hawks, who managed only six points in the final frame.

The Hawks look to bounce back on January 8, as they resume conference play against Medgar Evers. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. in the Sportsplex.