RICHMOND, Ind. – The Earlham College women's basketball team scored its first conference win of the season with a 59-52 final score against Defiance College in Druley Performance Gym. 

The Quakers improved to 3-6 (1-3 HCAC) while the Yellow Jackets fell to 0-11 (0-4 HCAC). 

Abby Parsons led the Quakers with two career-highs, scoring 21 points and nine rebounds. The freshman had only reached double-digits one time previously. Willow Runyon and Jay Bright both scored 11 points for the Quakers, and collected nine and eight boards respectively. 

Earlham controlled the first quarter with a 46% shooting percentage leading the Quakers to a 14-8 lead. Defiance then closed the gap defensively in the second quarter to trail 25-23 at halftime. 

Earlham struggled out of the break, and allowed a 10-4 run in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Quakers trailed 39-34 with 23 seconds remaining in the frame. The team then found its rhythm again in the fourth quarter and started off with an 18-2 run. The run gave the home squad a 54-41 lead with just under five minutes left to play. The Quakers then went 5-for-8 on free throws in the final 2:30. 

Earlham will be back in action at Transylvania University on Wednesday at 3 pm.