LANGLEY, B.C., CANADA – St. Edward's women's basketball struggled in the second half of its season opener, losing 78-62 to DII Canadian Tip-Off Classic host Simon Fraser University. 
 
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, aided by aggressive defenses that combined for nine steals. St. Edward's opened up a lead with a 7-0 run midway through the first quarter, but Simon Fraser closed the quarter on an 8-0 run to tie the game at 12. Sophia Wisotzki and Rachel Loukes scored six points each on a combined 6-for-7 shooting, and six different Hilltoppers scored.
 
MIKAH CHAPMAN hit all three of her shots in the second quarter, and ALAYAH FLUCUS scored four points and grabbed four rebounds off the bench to give St. Edward's the lead for most of the second quarter. However, Wisotzki scored nine free throws on ten attempts and hit a layup as time expired to give Simon Fraser a 27-26 lead at the break. 
 
Wisotzki carried the momentum into the third quarter, scoring 14 points, and Simon Fraser reeled off a 10-0 run to go up 16 with four minutes remaining in the third. Kaitlin Tetteh-Wayoe added seven points, and Simon Fraser outscored St. Edward's 27-18 in the third. 
 
J.P. found her rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring seven points on 3-for-5 shooting. St. Edward's twice threatened to pull within striking distance, but three different Simon Fraser players scored five points each in the final 10 minutes to keep St. Edward's at bay. 
 
J.P. led St. Edward's with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting and four assists. Chapman added 10 points on six shots, and Flucus had eight points and six rebounds off the bench. Wisotzki had 31 points for Simon Fraser. The Hilltoppers will play the University of Tampa on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.