AMHERST, Mass. – Despite a dominant start and a 15-point third-quarter lead, #5 seed Bates couldn't withstand a furious comeback from #4 Amherst, falling 61-51 in the NESCAC women's basketball quarterfinals at LeFrak Gymnasium.

Bates (16-9) came out firing, shooting 60% from the field in the first quarter to take a 21-20 lead. Alexandra Long and Sophie Spolter set the tone early, combining for 11 points in the opening frame. Bates extended their lead in the second quarter, with Long scoring seven points in the period, and took a 34-29 advantage into halftime.

The momentum carried into the third quarter, as Bates built its largest lead of the game at 44-29 with 5:21 left after back-to-back buckets from Spolter. However, Amherst (19-6) responded with a game-changing 13-0 run, trimming the deficit to just two points heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged to Amherst, as the Mammoths' defense locked in, holding Bates to just seven points on 15% shooting. Annie McCarthy (Jr.-Medfield, Mass.) and Reagan Pahl (So.-Cedarburg, Wis.) led the charge, combining for 17 points in the final frame. Amherst closed the game on a staggering 32-7 run, erasing Bates' double-digit lead and turning it into a 10-point defeat.

Long finished with a game-high 18 points in what could possibly be the senior's final contest as a Bobcat. Elsa Daulerio posted a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, to go along with four assists and three blocks. Spolter added 10 points for the garnet and white.

McCarthy led the way with 17 points for the Mammoths. Kori Barach (Sr.-Carlisle, Mass.) and Pahl followed with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Bates will now await a potential at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament, while Amherst advances to the NESCAC semifinals next Saturday at No. 1 Bowdoin.