FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 1, 2026) – The University of North Alabama women's basketball team were defeated in a defense-heavy Atlantic Sun Conference opener Thursday afternoon, dropping a 51-44 contest to defending champion FGCU in Fort Myers, Fla.

Both teams were engaged in a defensive showing in Alico Arena. The Lions (5-7, 0-1 ASUN) began with the early advantage off efficient offense, but FGCU (5-7, 1-0 ASUN) fired back in the second for a narrow halftime lead.

North Alabama built momentum in the third, outscoring the Eagles to set up a showdown in the fourth. Both teams locked down defensively in the final period, but it would be FGCU using an 11-6 quarter advantage to take the New Year's Day matchup.

Senior Alexsandra Alvarado led the team with 13 points – her seventh double-digit scoring outing of the season. Sophomore Sofia Ceppellotti chipped in nine points to finish second on the team in scoring, followed by eight points by senior India Howard.

Senior Jazzy Klinge grabbed a team-high six rebounds with Howard and Alvarado securing three assists. Howard tallied a game-high three steals, and Klinge's two steals additionally led between both teams.

North Alabama struck first off a 55.6 percent shooting opening period. Ceppellotti, Alvarado and senior Alyssa Clutter led the early charge with four points each in the period. Two additional points from Howard gave way to UNA leading 14-12 after the first 10 minutes. The Lions also set the tone defensively with UNA holding the Eagles to 30.8 percent shooting.

FGCU responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions, 15-10. The surge gave the Eagles a narrow 27-24 advantage as the contest headed into halftime.

A nearly even third quarter went slightly in favor of North Alabama. Both defenses started to pick up in the period, but UNA outscored the Eagles, 14-13, to cut into the deficit. Alvarado's seven quarter points sparked the Lions' offense as FGCU held onto a 40-38 lead.

Defense continued to be the focal point of both teams in the final period. UNA held the Eagles to its lowest-scoring quarter (11 points) and shooting percentage (27.3 percent) in the fourth. Despite the limited offensive production, FGCU limited North Alabama to six-quarter points en route to taking the contest, 51-44.

North Alabama continues its first of two Florida ASUN road trips on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Stetson. Tipoff vs. the Hatters is set for 1 p.m. CT in Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.