ABINGTON, Pa. – The Penn State Abington women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, as they dropped a 61-56 decision to Gallaudet University, Tuesday afternoon.

The Nittany Lions fall to 5-1 on the season and 1-1 in the NEAC, while Gallaudet improves to 3-4 and 2-1 in the conference.

In the first quarter Abington held an early lead, but the Nittany Lions couldn't hit their shots and were outscored 11-0 in seven minutes, down 15-5.

Gallaudet opened with a shot from downtown on its first possession, but the Nittany Lions battled to keep pace with seven points from Brittany Keyes (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) making her first appearance.

Gallaudet continued its strong defense in the third period by forcing five turnovers from the Nittany Lions.

Abington slowly inched toward the lead and at the 6:23 mark, Keyes helped the Nittany Lions pull ahead for the first time since the first period with a layup.  In the final five minutes the Bison went on an 11-0 run to close out the Nittany Lions.

Keyes led all shooters with 19 points and senior guard Janaiah Elum (Philadelphia, Pa.) added 15 points and four rebounds.

Abington will look to rally when they host Wilson College on January 7, at 3:00 p.m.