FROSTBURG, Md. – Despite an exciting second half comeback, the Frostburg State University women’s basketball team couldn’t overthrow conference opponent Salisbury, falling 74-69, Saturday afternoon.

In the loss, the Bobcats fell to an overall record of 6-17 and 2-9 in the Capital Athletic Conference. Prior to the contest, Frostburg honored seniors Steph Straka and Brynn Arnone for their four seasons of dedication to the program.

The Bobcats failed to muster any offensive consistency in the first half, shooting just 5-for-27 (18.5%) from the field. To add to the offensive woes, Frostburg totaled 13 turnovers to Salisbury’s six. The Sea Gulls gained a hefty lead, 39-22, going into half by scoring 18 points off of FSU’s turnovers.

Out of the locker room, the Bobcats brought a sense of urgency to the court. Less than six seconds into play, Elaina Hummel delivered a three-point play from an assist from sophomore guard Ronje James, to post the score at 39-25.

Salisbury (11-11, 5-5 CAC) answered right back with a bucket, but freshman forward Courtney Young grabbed an offensive board and put it right back up at the 19 minute mark to keep the Sea Gull lead at 14, 41-27.

The Bobcats then positioned themselves in a full-court pressure defense in an attempt to battle back into the game.  Right after the Young layup, James swiped one away to assist Straka on a breakaway to notch the score at 41-29.

FSU kept with the high intensity defense as Hummel grabbed a steal. On the other side of the court it was Young again who muscled around in the paint and pulled down yet another offensive rebound. She powered a shot back up and drained a bucket to finish the three-point play to bring the Bobcats within nine at 18:06.

The Bobcats forced five more turnovers in the next four minutes but the Sea Gulls retained their double-digit lead of 11, 45-34.

Down 14, 60-46, at 8:36 Frostburg continued its fast-paced mentality. Back-to-back layups by Hummel and James brought the game within 10.

James then capitalized off a Salisbury mistake for a steal, and the Bobcats flew up the court as Straka found freshman Deara Parker to seal another three point play to cut the lead even more, 60-53 at the six minute mark.

The contest was full of excitement and intensity up until the final seconds as the Bobcats made one final push at the three minute mark.

The seniors, relishing in their day of honor, propelled most of the action. Arnone assisted James for a nice give-and-go to bring the game within five and then ripped a steal away to give the host’s back the possession. Classmate Straka drove and was stopped by a foul, but stepped up to the line and hit two at 2:41 marking the game at 67-64.

Straka found yet another opportunity to score as she slashed into the paint to bring the Bobcats within one at 1:46, 67-66.

The Bobcats had one final chance to seal the deal, but couldn’t drain a contested layup. A 3-point dagger by Courtney McManus and several free throws finalized the game at 74-69.

Salisbury was led by Anna Hackett who scored a game-high 26 while Julia McLaughlin added 21.

Hummel led FSU with 20 for her fourth 20-point game or more of the season. Hummel also posted a 10-for-11 free throw shooting performance. Straka capped the afternoon with 13 adding four assists. Young turned in a stellar effort with nine points and eight rebounds while Parker also contributed nine points.

The Bobcats host Marymount in their final regular-season home game this Wednesday at 8:00 pm.