DENTON, Texas – St. Edward's women's basketball couldn't overcome a slow start against the No. 9-ranked team in the nation, falling 69-59 to Texas Woman's University. 
 
Ashley Ingram and Leila Patel formed a potent inside-outside duo for TWU, combining for 19 points in a 24-10 first quarter. Ingram was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line for nine points, and Patel hit 2-of-3 3-point attempts and scored ten points in the quarter. JANIAH PERKINS scored seven points on six shots. 
 
St. Edward's countered with a balanced attack in the second quarter. Seven different Hilltoppers scored, with J.P. leading the way with six points and RONNIE CANTU drilling a 3-pointer off the bench. Patel kept up her scoring output with seven points to finish with 17 at the half and a 41-28 TWU lead. 
 
Struggles from the field overshadowed a solid defensive third quarter for St. Edward's, and TWU outscored the Hilltoppers 12-9 to open the second half. 
 
St. Edward's found a rhythm in the fourth quarter, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. J.P. scored six on three shots, and BAILEY FEATHERSTONE, LAUREN CATHERMAN, and Abbey Mortin each scored four points. JAYDA RUFFUS-MILNER and DAFNE GIANESINI added a buck each. The Hilltoppers outscored TWU 22-16 in the quarter, including a 9-0 run late to pull within eight with two minutes remaining. 
 
J.P. led St. Edward's with 20 points and six assists. Ruffus-Milner added nine points, six rebounds, and two steals. MIKAH CHAPMAN scored seven off the bench. 
 
The Hilltoppers drop to 7-14 with a 4-11 conference record. St. Edward's will remain on the road to play UT Tyler on Saturday.