COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After a long holiday break the Hilltoppers returned to action Saturday facing Western State Colorado in a neutral-site game. SEU had two slow quarters offensively which ultimately led to a 65-50 loss.
 
St. Edward's was slow to start, shooting just 20 percent in the first half with only five field goals, one from long range, but were able to draw fouls to earn ten points from the free throw line to keep them in the game. SEU trailed by 14 at the halftime break, 35-21.
 
ABIGAIL WHYTE's jumper with 2:17 remaining in the third pulled the Hilltoppers within ten, 48-38, and kick-started an SEU run that pulled St. Edward's within seven before heading into the fourth down nine, 52-43.
 
The Hilltoppers started the fourth strong to pull within six points, 52-46, after ABBY HOPPER hit the layup and resulting free throw after being fouled. The St. Edward's offense went quiet, however, scoring just four points in the final nine minutes.
 
ABBY HOPPER led with 10 points and was the only Hilltopper in double figures. MARYAM WILCHER and ISABEL HERNANDEZ led on the boards with six rebounds each as SEU posted a -11 rebounding margin.
 
St. Edward's drops to 8-5 on the year and remain in Colorado to face UC Colorado Springs on Sunday for a 3 pm MT tip.