DAYTON, Tenn. – Bluefield University women's basketball faced a tough road challenge Saturday afternoon, falling 89–58 to Bryan College at Summers Gymnasium in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

The Rams opened the game with energy on the defensive end and briefly held the lead early. Charli Wynn got Bluefield on the board with a layup off an Elle Gunter assist, then followed with another finish in the paint to give BU a 4–2 advantage. Zoey Snavely added a pair of free throws midway through the quarter, and Anna Smith knocked down a three-pointer in the final minute, but Bryan closed the period on a late surge to take a 23–12 lead after one.

BU continued to compete in the second quarter, getting a spark off the bench from Abby O'Quinn and Gabriela Rosado. O'Quinn scored five points in the period, including a three-pointer off a Lauren Bragg assist, while Rosado converted two finishes in the paint. Anna Smith added points at the free-throw line, but Bryan capitalized on turnovers and carried a 42–23 advantage into halftime.

The Rams responded with their best offensive stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter. Bluefield shot over 50 percent from the floor in the period, with Ashanti Northcross leading the charge. Northcross scored six points in the opening minutes, while Wynn and Chloe Shields each knocked down three-pointers to trim the deficit. Snavely added five points in the quarter, including a three from the top of the arc, as the Rams scored 24 points in the frame to make it 67–47 heading into the fourth.

Bryan regained momentum in the final period, using strong inside play and second-chance opportunities to extend the lead. BU continued to battle through the closing minutes, with Northcross scoring four points early in the quarter and O'Quinn adding a layup. J'Maia Joseph and Elizabeth Smith each contributed late points at the free-throw line to close the scoring for the Rams.

Northcross led Bluefield with 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists. O'Quinn finished with 10 points off the bench, while Wynn and Snavely each added seven points. Rosado contributed six points and six rebounds, and Anna Smith chipped in five points and seven rebounds. Gunter added seven rebounds and steady defensive play, while Shields knocked down a key three during BU's third-quarter push.

Bluefield returns home Wednesday to host Union Commonwealth in AAC play, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m. inside The Dome.