DALLAS, Texas – The Southwestern Pirates women’s basketball dropped their first game of the season, 72-60 to the University of Dallas Crusaders Sunday night.

Southwestern got out to a slow start, falling behind by as many as 13 points, 17-4, halfway through the first period. They pulled within eight, 19-11, just two minutes later on a three-pointer by sophomore Taylin Eckols. That is as close as SU would get before halftime as the Crusaders pulled away to go up by 18 going into the half, 37-19.

After playing nearly even ball in the second half the Pirates went on an 11 point run that included two three pointers from junior Shae Seagraves with 8:30 remaining in the half to pull within 10 points, 55-45.

SU continued to chip away at the lead and came within five on a three by senior Jessica Herbst with just over three minutes remaining in the contest. As the minutes ticked away the Pirates fouled in hopes of closing the lead, but the Crusaders drained their free throws to close out the contest.

The Pirates shot just over 42% from the floor and held the Crusaders to only 35.6%, but turnovers and rebounds proved to be the difference maker as SU had four more turnovers and ten fewer rebounds than UD.

Junior Staley Mullins led the way for Southwestern with 16 points on 6-11 shooting and 4-6 from the free throw line. Senior Jessica Herbst followed with 11 points while newcomers first-year Katelyn Bartell and Seagraves pitched in nine a piece.

Senior Narisa Trammell led the Pirates with four steals while Seagraves pulled down a team high six rebounds.

Southwestern starts the season 0-1 and will return to action on November 21st at 3:00 pm as they face a tough ASC opponent in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.