WEST PALM BEACH, FL. ---The Seahawks women's basketball team dropped a close one against Avila 70-62 on Tuesday morning in the New Year's Classic. Northwood falls to 2-7 overall on the season with the loss.

In the first half of a seesaw battle, both teams combined for six ties and four lead changes. Avila jumped out a quick 6-2 lead, but jumpers by Caitlin Hayes and Dana Gildea knotted it at 6-6 with 15:47 to go. The Eagles pushed out to a 24-19 lead with ten remaining, but a Gildea basket started a 6-0 run giving Northwood their first lead of the game at 25-24 with 7:15 showing. The Seahawks took their largest lead at 29-26, but Avila fought back for a 39-36 lead going into the break.

Northwood came out of the locker room fast using a 7-2 run retaking a 43-42 advantage with 15:30 left in the game. The Seahawks took one last lead at 45-44 with 14:30 remaining in the contest, but Avila answered by tying it back up at 54-54 with 8:00 minutes to go. Down the stretch, Northwood came up short falling 70-62.

Stephanie Granada led the way with 16 points and seven assists while Gildea chipped in 14 off the bench. Emily May had a team high nine rebounds.

Northwood returns to court tomorrow when they take on Montana State Northern at 2:00 p.m.