WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Lafayette women’s basketball team used a strong start to defeat American 56-41 in a Patriot League game Saturday at Bender Arena.

The Leopards built a 23-9 lead after the first quarter and maintained control throughout. The Eagles cut the deficit to 31-21 at halftime but could not sustain momentum, scoring only five points in the fourth quarter.

The win improved Lafayette to 10-17 overall. American fell to 6-21. An announced crowd of 489 attended the game.