FREDERICK, Md. - Despite a strong defensive performance, Hood College could not find its offensive rhythm and dropped a 49-34 non-conference final to visiting Franklin & Marshall.

The Blazers limited the Diplomats to just 27 percent shooting, including 3-of-18 from 3-point range, in the contest. 

Alexis Andrukat (Smithsburg, Md. / Smithsburg), Allie Appleby (Bel Air, Md. / C. Milton Wright) and Alexis Briscoe (Columbia, Md. / Long Reach) each scored seven points to lead the Blazers.

Freshman Mackenzie Grove (Frederick, Md. / Oakdale) grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds and classmate Denisha Robinson (Richmond, Va. / Midlothian) notched a career-best five steals, respectively. 

Franklin & Marshall hit enough early shots to build an 11-0 lead just three minutes into the first quarter. Hood kept pace for the rest of the period, trailing 15-5 after the first 10 minutes. 

A layup by Grove with 5:45 left in the second period pulled the Blazers within eight, 17-9, but the Diplomats were able to build a 24-12 lead at the break. 

After Erica Brown gave the Diplomats a 41-23 lead early in the fourth period, Hood scored the next 11 points to cut the deficit to 41-34 after Appleby stole the ball in the backcourt and scored with 3:35 remaining. The Blazers forced a turnover on the next possession, but could not turn it into points. Franklin & Marshall scored the last eight points of the night to put the game out reach.

Brown had 14 points and 15 rebounds, both game-highs. Burnett scored 13 points and Sarah Haddon grabbed 12 boards. 

Hood returns to BB&T Arena on January 6 when Alvernia visits for a 6 p.m. tip off.