By Ryan Tarletsky, freshman

Throughout the course of a basketball season, teams expect to have their ups and downs. The Friends University women’s basketball team was riding high on a five game winning streak after beating Bethany College 74-58. Since then, Friends has lost three of its last four games, with the only win coming against the University of St. Mary, 68-42.

Friends’ (11-13, 7-7) last game came by defeat, 54-47, against first place Sterling College (19-4, 13-1), on Feb. 6. As a team, Friends was out-rebounded 21-40, leading to second chance opportunities time and time again for the Sterling Warriors. Especially for Sterling’s 5-foot-10 junior forward Britany Gasper, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Gasper is also this week’s KCAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week.

Turnovers also plagued the Falcons Saturday night. Having 14 turnovers limited the momentum that the Friends offense was trying to build, as the Falcons only shot 28 percent from the field. Senior Alyson Snell lead the Falcons in scoring with 13 points, including three 3 pointers. On the other end, 6-foot sophomore guard Megan Patrick had 19 points with 9 rebounds and 2 assists.

Friends will look to bounce back tonight at 6 p.m. at home against Bethel College and try to pick up momentum heading into the conference tournament.