GEORGETOWN, Texas — The Southwestern women's basketball team struggled on the second end of each half to lose 63-54 to the University of St. Thomas Celts.
Southwestern opened the game flexing the full potential of its offense, utilizing a balanced attack and stifling defense to run out to a 19-11 lead heading into the second quarter. The Pirates forced eight turnovers and held St. Thomas to 3-for-15 shooting, while Jada Hollie and Lauren Fulenwider scored six each for a Pirate offense that shot 46.7 percent.
The Pirate offense unraveled in the second quarter, missing the open shots it generated from outside in a 3-for-14 shooting performance and compounding its troubles with seven turnovers. For St. Thomas, Olivia Anga went to work inside, shooting 3-for-3 with a 3-for-4 quarter from the free-throw line for nine points, and point guard Alexya Castillo hit three jumpers, including a 3-pointer in leading a 21-7 run to take a 32-26 lead at the half.
Southwestern's full-court defense sparked the Pirates in the third quarter. While the press only generated four turnovers, the pressure sped the St. Thomas offense up and out of control, forcing a 6-for-18 shooting quarter with some fantastic transition defense from Hollie, who had two blocks. Taylor Carney made all three of her shots for the Pirates, including a 3-pointer, scoring seven points, and Ellie Ward had six points on three shots as part of a 20-14 third quarter that tied the game at 46.
In the fourth quarter, turnovers and errant shooting cost the Pirates again, committing six turnovers and shooting 2-for-14 from the field. The Pirates also left points at the free-throw line, converting on just 4-of-8 attempts. Micayla Hamilton carried the St. Thomas offense with a trio of long two-pointers, and Castillo iced the game with four free throws.
Carney led Southwestern with 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting while also contributing six rebounds and two steals. Hollie had 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Castillo led St. Thomas with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Olivia Anga had 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Southwestern drops to 9-11 with a 5-7 conference record. The Pirates will travel for their next two games, facing St. Thomas again on Wednesday, then a game against Trinity on Saturday.
