WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Western Illinois women's basketball traveled to Purdue on Sunday (Nov. 17) to take on the Boilermakers in front of 5,742 as they battled to keep the game within seven (66-59).

"I think fans left this game knowing we battled," said head coach JD Gravina. "Usually in these games, when they get a 9-10 point lead, it quickly turns into 20. But every time we fought and caught back into it. In the end, their size and physicality were just too much to overcome."

Annabel Graettinger came out hot from tip and scored the first points for the Leathernecks on a jumper to tie the game. Purdue on a nine-point run took the lead 11-4, Carla Flores responded and put Western within three points with three minutes remaining. Purdue added a final two points at the end of the first quarter for a 15-10 advantage. 

Western continued to fight as Graettinger put up a three to put the Leathernecks within four with one-minute remaining in the half. The Boilermakers scored five more points to end the half up 33-24.

Purdue owned their largest lead at the beginning of the fourth (53-44). The Leathernecks pushed to finalize the score falling 66-59. Graettinger led the team with 22 points and six rebounds. Evan Zars grabbed six rebounds and had five blocks for a season-high performance.

The Leathernecks return home Wednesday (Nov. 20) to take on Bradley at 5:30 p.m.