ROCK HILL, SC - Freshmen Erin Green and Anestha Blakeney each posted ten points, but the Fightin' Christians dropped a tough 57-55, decision to the Lady Eagles of Winthrop University Saturday, in the Winthrop Coliseum.

After storming to a 30-16 advantage at half-time Elon unraveled and waatched as the Lady Eagles jumped to a 42-39 lead fueled by a 28-9 run in the first ten minutes of the second half. The Fightin' Christians were able to recapture the lead 47-45, with a little over five minutes remaining, but Winthrop connected on six-of-eight foul shots down the stretch to reatke the lead 51-49, en route to a 57-55 win.

The Lady Eagles, who talled 20-of-25 free throws for the game, was led by Cyrstal Greens (15 points) and Meredith Smith (14 points).

Seniors Jami White and Shellie Johnson finsihed with nine and eight points respectively for Elon. Junior Tashina DeVeaux recorded six points and grabbed 16 rebounds, the third time this season she has accumlated that amount. Freshaman Jayme Chikos and junior Loretta Lawson each regestired six points, while Chikos dished out seven assists.

The Fightin' Christians fell to 11-11 overall and 4-5 in the Big South, as Winthrop improved to 6-14, 3-5. The mext game will Wednesday, Feb. 9 when Elon hosts the Lady Bulldogs of UNC Asheville. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.

--ELON--