SPEARFISH, S.D. — A slow start proved too much for St. Edward's women's basketball to overcome as the Hilltoppers fell 73–42 to Black Hills State on Friday afternoon in the season opener at the Donald E. Young Center.

Black Hills State surged ahead with a 27–8 first quarter, capitalizing on Hilltopper turnovers and turning them into transition points that widened the gap before St. Edward's could find its footing. The Hilltoppers responded with more composure in the middle frames—scoring 13 in the second and 14 in the third—but never fully closed the deficit as the Yellow Jackets controlled the tempo throughout.

SUNI DAVIS led St. Edward's with 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting in her Hilltopper debut, adding four rebounds and steadying the offense during stretches when the Hilltoppers generated cleaner looks. JASMYN JACKSON chipped in eight points, and MIKAH CHAPMAN added six points, five rebounds, and three steals.

St. Edward's shot 34.8 percent from the field and finished 3-of-11 from beyond the arc, struggling to generate second-chance opportunities with just two offensive rebounds and two second-chance points. Meanwhile, Black Hills State converted 28 points off Hilltopper turnovers and outscored SEU 34–22 in the paint.

Bradie Schlabs paced the Yellow Jackets with 23 points and six rebounds, while Addison Branscum added 13.

St. Edward's returns to action on Sunday against South Dakota Mines, with a quick turnaround against Fort Lewis College on Tuesday in Colorado.