GEORGETOWN, Texas — A valiant comeback fell just short for the Southwestern Pirates women's basketball team in the season opener, dropping the first home game 56-53 to the Schreiner Mountaineers.
Southwestern opened the game with the look of a team returning to the court after an extended, pandemic-induced layoff while incorporating a new offense with a roster full of new players.
In the first half, the Pirates committed 13 turnovers, rushing decisions, and drives in the first quarter, leading to sloppy footwork and passes to offset an otherwise solid first quarter to trail 13-11 after the first 10 minutes. Schreiner capitalized on Southwestern's mistakes, turning the pressure up to record four steals in the second quarter and close the half on an 11-1 run to take a 32-21 lead going into the break.
Miranda Vallejo led the Mountaineers in the first half with a blistering 3-for-4 performance from deep, scoring 9 of her team-high 16 points, keeping the Pirates at bay with her long-range marksmanship. Schreiner point guard Zahra Cross set the early tempo, working at her own pace for 6 first-half points and 4 assists.
Lauren Fulenwider led the Pirates with 8 first-half points in a sometimes stagnant offense, getting most of her shots against a dwindling shot clock.
The Pirates slowly began to climb their way back in the third quarter, making their mark on the defensive end by forcing 9 Schreiner turnovers, including 4 steals.
Trailing by 10 heading into the fourth quarter, the Southwestern defense held Schreiner scoreless for over four minutes, going on a 7-0 run. Fulenwider found opportunities to get her feet set, giving the Pirates' offense a foothold with 8 points on 7 shots, including 2-for-4 shooting from long range. Teammate Noel Pratts used that spacing to find seams in the defense, scoring 6 points and 2 assists in the final quarter.
The Pirates had an opportunity to tie the game with 13 seconds remaining coming out of a timeout but committed a turnover against a Schreiner trap, and Sydney Williams hit a free throw for the Mountaineers for the final score of the game.
Fulenwider had 21 points, hitting 5-for-11 from behind the 3-point line, to go with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. The Pirates' shooting guard showcased more poise off the dribble and improved court vision despite recording just one assist. Pratts was the only other Pirate to score in double figures, scoring 11 points with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Southwestern lost the rebounding battle 45-39, giving up 6 offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter to nullify key defensive stops. Both teams will play again tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.
