WARREN, Mich. – Reigning MCCAA Eastern Conference Player of the Week Marissa Thomas (Toledo, Ohio/Perrysburg) dropped in a game-high 21 points and Tamia Tounsel (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but the visiting Skippers of St. Clair County Community College pulled away behind balanced play to win by a 77-62 final score.

The loss drops the Monarchs to 10-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Skippers, a team receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division II Poll, improved to 16-2 overall and 3-1 in the MCCAA East.

The Skippers started strong and led 24-18 after the first quarter, but the Monarchs responded and played a back-and-forth second quarter to trail at the half by seven, 40-33.

Third quarter action saw the Skippers go on a run and outscore the Monarchs by a 22-10 margin, securing the 15-point decision.

Thomas added seven rebounds and a pair of steals to her game-high 21-point total, while Tounsel dished out five assists to accompany her ninth double-double of the season. Enddiea Reese (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) checked in with 10 points and Olicia Porritt (Mt. Clemens, Mich./Mt. Clemens) added nine points on 3-of-3 shooting from 3-point land to round out Wednesday's leaders.

The Monarchs will close out their homestand against the Raiders of Oakland Community College on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Sports & Expo Center.