HILO, Hawaii – Turnovers and a rough shooting evening conspired to give the St. Edward's women's basketball team a rough introduction to the Big Island Holiday Classic, losing 61-34 to the Hawaii Hilo Vulcans. 

Both teams struggled against rigid defensive performances in the first quarter, combining to shoot 7-for-28 in the first 10 minutes, with MATILDA SORIC scoring a late 3-pointer to keep the Hilltoppers within three at 10-7 heading into the second. 

Reserve Melanie Hiu sparked Hawaii Hilo in the second quarter with a pair of 3-pointers, and Jenna Waki added six points of her own to lead an 18-4 run. The Hilltoppers' offensive struggles continued, shooting just 1-for-13 in the quarter while Hawaii Hilo hit 7-of-15, taking a 28-11 lead at the half. 

St. Edward's put together a better shooting third quarter, hitting 40 percent of its shots, but committed seven turnovers to get outscored 15-10 in the quarter. 

Hawaii Hilo outscored St. Edward's 10-4 in the paint in the fourth quarter to add another five points to its lead, getting six points from Kaile Cruz and shooting 8-for-14 from the field while limiting the Hilltoppers to 4-for-12. 

Soric and AINSLEY THUNELL had six points each for the Hilltoppers, and MCCALL HAMPTON added five points. SAMMIE DUFEK contributed five rebounds and four blocks. 

St. Edward's falls to 2-3 with the loss, and Hawaii Hilo improves to 3-1. The Hilltoppers will remain in Hawaii to play the No. 14-ranked University of Tampa (5-0) Friday at 7:15 p.m. CST.