PAXTON, Mass. -- Simmons Basketball fell to the Anna Maria AMCATS 77-57 Monday afternoon in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action. The Sharks were led by first year Liz Brasa (East Hartford, Conn.), who posted 17 points and senior Leah Davis (Cranston, R.I.), who added 15. With the win the AMCATS even their record at 8-8 (2-1 GNAC) while the Sharks dip to 2-10 (0-2 GNAC) on the season.  

Anna Maria senior Taylor Walker posted her sixth double-double of the season as she scored 14 points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Junior Katie Pryor notched a team-high 15 points for the AMCATS and teammate Lyndsay Bond chipped in with 12 points.  Pryor and Bond combined to shoot an impressive 11-for-17 from the field. 

The AMCATS jumped ahead early, as Pryor and Bond hit three pointers on back to back positions to give Anna Maria an 8-2 advantage.  A Sharks bucket and converted free throw narrowed the deficit but Pryor and Walker scored on two straight layups to extend the lead to 12-5.  Simmons' Leah Davis would answer with a 3-pointer on their next possession as the teams battled early in the first half. 

Just as Simmons edged closer, freshman Christina Gauvin hit two pivotal baskets for the AMCATS to keep the Sharks at bay.  A three pointer at the 13 minute mark and a layup with 10 minutes remaining kept the offense rolling. The Sharks were unable to cut into the AMCAT lead, and Anna Maria went into the half with a 38-23 cushion. 

Lindsay Bond scored 6 of Anna Maria's first 8 points of the second half and the Sharks were unable to get within more than 14 points of the AMCATS for the rest of the period. 

The Sharks return to action on Saturday, Jan. 25 at home against GNAC rival Suffolk University.