AUSTIN - St. Edward's women's basketball returned to their winning ways with a strong 71-59 win over St. Mary's in the Battle of the Saints Tuesday evening. 

SEU busted the gates down at the start of the game, wasting no time taking control and leading 7-2. After mounting a ten point lead, the Hilltoppers led by eight, 21-13, at the end of the first quarter. 

St. Edward's held onto the lead throughout the second quarter and took a nine point lead into the break, 39-30. 

St. Mary's opened the scoring in the second half, but it was SEU that led at the end of the break, 52-41. The Rattlers orchestrated a run midway through the fourth quarter, pulling within six points, 58-52, with 4:35 to go. SEU had the answer, however, and put the game out of reach with back to back threes from LAUREN CATHERMAN and MORGAN GARY. 

Catherman led with 17 points, going 6-11 from the floor and 4-8 from three point range as the Hilltoppers shot above 45% percent from the field and long range. Gary added 16 points and a team high seven rebounds. 

St. Edward's improves to 10-9 on the year and 3-5 in Lone Star Conference play. They remain at home to host Western New Mexico on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm.