By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Vincennes, IN---The Express women's basketball team had a second half comeback fall short in a 64-56 loss to No. 22 Mineral Area College in the opener of the Sodexo Classic on Friday.

After trailing by one at the half, the Express fell behind 45-32 with 14:52 remaining. They started chipping away at the deficit, though.

A jumper in the paint by Emma-Jean Ricketts pulled the Express within 56-54 with just over four minutes remaining. However, Mineral Area's Courtney Knuckles hit a jumper, the Express committed a turnover and Mineral Area's Janelle Travis hit a jumper to stretch her team's lead back to six.

Karahn Scott responded with a lay-in for the Express, but that was as close as they would get the rest of the way.

Uniqua Mitchell had a team-high 10 points for the Express, while Ricketts and Scott each added nine. Scott also produced 10 rebounds and a team-high three steals, while Ricketts had seven rebounds.

Mineral Area was led by Janelle Travis, who had 16 points. Ashleigh Bow added 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Brittany Lawson had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Chelsea Roberts scored in double figures, as well, with 10 points.

Mineral Area College, an NJCAA D-I team, improved to 7-1 with the win, while the Express are now 4-3.

The Express will take on Vincennes University at 3 p.m. Saturday.