PORTALES, New Mexico – St. Edward's women's basketball struggled to find their rhythm in the first quarter, falling behind early and were unable to make up enough ground as they lost 62-54 to Eastern New Mexico Saturday afternoon.
 
SEU went over eight minutes without a field goal in the first quarter, falling behind 15-6 by the end of the frame. The Hilltoppers struggled a bit in the second quarter also and trailed 27-16 at the break.
 
St. Edward's got within two, 31-29, on MATILDA SORIC's three, but ENMU extended the lead back to ten by the end of the third and never allowed the Hilltoppers back in the game the rest of the way.
 
SEU shot below 30 percent from the floor and three point range with LAUREN CATHERMAN leading the way with 16 points. SAMMIE DUFEK had a team-high nine rebounds as the Hilltoppers trailed in the battle of the boards 55-43.
 
St. Edward's falls to 9-9 on the season and 2-5 in Lone Star Conference play while Eastern New Mexico improves to 7-6 overall and 3-4 in conference action. SEU returns home to host St. Mary's in the Battle of the Saints on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm.