PRICE – The Utah State Eastern Women's Basketball team's 2019 season came to a close on Thursday with their 61-46 loss to the Salt Lake Community College Bruins in the Region 18 Tournament semifinals.

Both teams battled in the first half with neither coming away with a lead at halftime. 

The Eagles' defense came up big in the first quarter, forcing nine turnovers including three steals.

"The girls worked extremely hard and it was fun to watch their defensive execution," said USU Eastern Head Coach Chelsey Warburton.

Salt Lake's attack on the boards would become a factor in the rest of the game with forward Lauren Gustin leading the team with a team-high 20 rebounds.

The Eagles would struggle to get the shots to go in during the second half which would help the Bruins build a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

USU Eastern would be outscored 22-11 in the fourth quarter with the Bruins shooting 66 percent from the field and 75 percent from three point range.

"We needed to do a better job from the free throw line and finishing at the basket but the teams overall performance was great," said Warburton.

With the loss the Eagles finish the season with a 18-11 overall record which matches last season's win total.

"This team did a wonderful job of playing together and playing tough all year. Coach Nelson and I loved their never quit attitude," said Warburton.

Next year the Eagles will return three all-conference players in Morgan Toluono, Emmery Wagstaff, and Lamija Coric.

Those players will have to step as the Eagles will lose three key contributors from this year's team in Brooklynn Barrus, Abby Butler and Alyssa Crumley to graduation.

For more information about USU Eastern Women's Basketball camps, news, and future scheduling visit usueasternathletics.com or follow the USU Eastern Women's Basketball team on Instagram.