WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The Grace women's basketball team fell 77-53 to No. 9 St. Francis on Wednesday night.

The Lancers, reduced to five scholarship players because of injuries, battled bravely against the Cougars. Those five players each saw at least 35 minutes of game time against the ranked Cougar squad.

The Lancers struggled to connect from the floor, shooting 28 percent in the loss.

Grace fell into an early 10-0 hole against St. Francis as the Lancers were unable to find the mark with their shooting.

Grace did take care of the ball with just one turnover in the first quarter, but Grace's shooting woes allowed USF to remain in front.

Bekah Marshall helped spark Grace's offense with five quick points, and the Lancers kept within striking distance 21-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Grace shot 5 of 17 (29 percent) from the floor, while the Cougars made half of their attempts.

Grace's shooting touch was still missing in the second period. The Lancers made only two of their 13 shot attempts (15 percent).

The Cougars took advantage and pulled ahead 41-23 at halftime.

Kensie Ryman and Marshall led Grace with six points at the intermission. The Cougars shot 52 percent compared to Grace's 23 percent.

Grace had its most efficient offensive quarter in the third stanza. Marshall was a catalyst, amassing 10 points in the quarter with two 3-pointers.

The Lancers demonstrated their resilience by winning the fourth quarter. Grace still did not shoot particularly well (25 percent), but the Lancers made seven free throws in the period in a gritty performance.

Marshall led Grace with 16 points to go along with five rebounds. Morganne Houk scored 10 points to go along with three assists and three rebounds.

Peyton Murphy was relentless with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Additionally, she was fouled 10 times.

Maddy Poynter finished the game with eight points and three assists, and Ryman tallied six points and nine boards.

Wednesday night was also Senior Night to honor the graduating trio of Ryman, Murphy and Kate Rulli. Rulli, who missed the year due to injury, was recognized before the game as an honorary sixth starter.

The Lancers will end the year on the road, playing at Mt. Vernon Nazarene on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the team's season finale.