EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team was unable to overcome an early deficit as it fell, 63-48, to No. 9-ranked Lewis University Friday evening in the first round of the GLVC Tournament at Roberts Stadium.

USI (16-12) fell behind 26-6 early in the first half, but used a 13-6 run to close the half and go into the break facing a 32-19 halftime deficit.

The Screaming Eagles watched Lewis increase its advantage to 19 early in the second half, but used a 19-3 run to cut the deficit to four points (47-43) with less than eight minutes remaining in the contest.

Lewis (25-3), however, used an 8-2 run to widen the gap and swing momentum back into its favor. USI got no closer than six from that point as the Flyers advanced to the semifinals to face Bellarmine University Saturday at 6 p.m.

Senior forward Sabrina Brandon (Danville, Illinois) led the Eagles with 12 points, while sophomore forward/center Brittany Neuman (Huntingburg, Indiana) finished with a career-high 11 points and nine rebounds.

Lewis senior forward Darcee Schmidt, the GLVC Player of the Year, led all players with 22 points, 14 of which were scored in the first half, and 11 rebounds. Last season's GLVC Player of the Year, senior guard/forward Mary Moskal, added 13 points, while senior forward/center Erin Cox chipped in 11 points.

While Lewis advances in the GLVC Tournament, the careers of five USI players came to a close Friday evening.

In addition to Brandon's performance, senior forward Michelle King (Columbus, Indiana) finished with five points, while senior forward/center Sarah Buldtman (Metropolis, Illinois) grabbed three rebounds in her final collegiate contest. Senior guard Leah Stormont (Haubstadt, Indiana) finished with an assist and a rebound, while senior guard Katie Thiesenhusen (Muskego, Wisconsin) finished her career with five points, six rebounds, and three assists.