Bulldogs Drop Season Opener 93-81

SEGUIN, TX -- In Head Coach Troy Patterson's first regular season game as the leading man at Texas Lutheran, the Bulldogs held their own early before ultimately falling to the Cowgirls of Hardin-Simmons 93-81 Friday night at Memorial Gymnasium.

Sydney Shaw (Lockhart/Lockhart) had a career-high 22 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Jayla Santa Maria (Edinburg/Edinburg), Kailey Lacy (Pflugerville/Hendrickson), and Kailee Mulkey (New Braunfels/New Braunfels) all scored in double digits finishing with 14, 11, and 10 points respectively.

Despite outshooting the Cowgirls, shooting 49% from the field, the Bulldogs wouldn't lead after the 9 minute mark in the first quarter in what made for a close, yet one-sided, contest. Turnovers and free throws were the most decisive facets of the game as the Bulldogs turned the ball over 27 times, placing them -6 in the turnover department. The Bulldogs also left points at the free throw line shooting 72.7% from the free throw line in comparison to the Cowgirls 87% performance from the charity stripe.

A 5-point first quarter from Shaw aided the Bulldogs in keeping pace with the Cowgirls as they trailed by one entering the second quarter. The Cowgirls and Bulldogs engaged in a shootout in the second quarter as the teams combined for 55 points on 60+% shooting but the Bulldogs' deficit grew to 8 points. Shaw & Mulkey guided the Bulldogs through the third quarter that was closely contested yet the Cowgirls lead grew to 11 entering the fourth. Senior Morgan Rodriguez (New Braunfels/Canyon) came alive in the fourth quarter scoring 7 points and collecting 3 rebounds but her efforts weren't enough for the Bulldogs to close the gap and come from behind for a victory.

The Bulldogs look to bounce back tomorrow in non-conference action against the War Hawks of McMurry University at 5 PM at Memorial Gymnasium. All streaming and stat links can be found on tlubulldogs.com.