DECATUR, Miss. — East Central Community College struggled to find consistency on the offensive end Wednesday night, falling 55-47 to Meridian Community College at home.

The Lady Warriors held Meridian in check early and led 12-11 after the first quarter, but a cold-shooting second period allowed the Eagles to build momentum. East Central shot just 24.3 percent from the field for the game and went 4-for-36 from 3-point range, making it difficult to keep pace despite winning the rebounding battle 50-31.

A'Kiya Ratcliff led East Central with a strong interior presence, finishing with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass. Raiyleigh Perry added 12 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Allison Knight chipped in 10 points.

East Central responded out of halftime with its best quarter, outscoring Meridian 17-13 in the third to regain the lead, but turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch proved costly. Meridian closed the game on a 16-point fourth quarter to seal the win.

Despite forcing 13 Meridian turnovers and controlling the boards, East Central committed 21 turnovers of its own and struggled at the free-throw line.

The Lady Warriors will look to bounce back as conference play continues.