ROCKFORD, Ill. – Sophomore forward Micah Tapscott recorded her first double-double of the season, but the Parkland women's basketball team lost its first game since November 1, an 84-79 defeat at Rock Valley. Snapping a streak of eight straight wins, the Cobras were led by Tapscott's 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Gemma Recasens led the team in scoring with 14 points.

Facing the No. 10 team in Division III, the deciding quarter came out of halftime as the Cobras allowed the host Golden Eagles to score 30 points in the third period. Parkland charged back with a 24-point fourth quarter – outscoring the Eagles by seven points – but fell short in their comeback attempt. The two sides traded advantages in the opening two quarters and were tied – 37-37 – at halftime.

Despite the loss, Parkland controlled the glass with a 45-36 overall rebound advantage, including 18 offensive rebounds. The Cobras also held a higher shooting percentage than the Golden Eagles, but struggled from three-point range (21.1%).

Leading the Cobras on Saturday were its starting forwards, Tapscott and Emily Meinert, and guard Gemma Recasens. Tapscott and Meinert gave Parkland an advantage in the post with both contributing offensively and on the boards. Tapscott's 10 points and 11 rebounds registered her first double-double of the season, while Meinert fell just shy of her third double-double of 2018 with 12 points and eight rebounds. Leading the backcourt, Recasens knocked down six shots for 14 points and tied her season high with six assists.  Joining the trio in double figures, Shoente'ra Russell scored 13 points off the bench and added five rebounds.

Up next, Parkland will face its second straight ranked opponent when it travels to Mattoon, Ill., for a Wednesday, December 19, battle against No. 13 Lake Land. The Cobras will conclude the 2018 portion of its schedule at the Illinois Central Cougar Holiday Tournament, December 28-30.