GOLDEN, Colo. – St. Edward's women's basketball showed incredible resolve in their season opener, defeating Colorado Christian 85-83 in overtime Friday evening.
 
The lead bounced back and forth in the first quarter but the Hilltoppers were able to put together a 7-0 run in the final two and half minutes to lead 24-16 at the end of the frame.
 
SEU was able to hold Colorado Christian at arm's length through the second quarter, never allowing the Cougars closer than four points. With another strong run to end the quarter, the Hilltoppers took an 11-point lead, 48-37, into halftime.
 
St. Edward's picked right up where they left off as their lead swelled to 17 points, 59-42, on BAILEY HILL's three-pointer three minutes into the third. CCU began to slowly chip away at the lead and were able to cut it to four, 64-60, heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Colorado Christian finally tied the game for the first time since early in the first quarter, evening the score 67-67 with 6:42 to play. After two more ties SEU took a two-point lead, 78-76, with 13 seconds left after ISABEL HERNANDEZ hit one of two free throws. CCU's Jordan Baer's layup with five ticks remaining tied the game 78-78 to force overtime.
 
The Cougars took their first lead since 6:15 in the first quarter, 81-80, with 3:44 left to play in overtime. Hernandez quickly answered with a jumper and ABBY HOPPER hit one of two free throws to put SEU up 85-83 with 13 seconds to play. CHRISTINA MASON's block on Olivia Christy with seven seconds remaining kept the lead in the hands of the Hilltoppers as they closed the game out for the win.
 
Hernandez had an outstanding opening night, posting a double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds. MARYAM WILCHER added 15 points and Hill 14. SEU shot 43.7% from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range while committing 12 turnovers and forcing the Cougars into 20.
 
The Hilltoppers begin the year with an 1-0 record and take on Colorado School of Mines on Saturday for a 8 PM CT tip.