SMWC committed 23 turnovers and shot 35.6 percent overall, falling to visiting St. Francis by a score of 67-59 in the Pomeroys' home and season opener Saturday afternoon.
The Pomeroys got 35 points from its bench. Reserve redshirt freshman forward Samara Douglas led the way with 10 points in 15 minutes of action. Madison Fueger had eight points, eight rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot off the bench and Destiny Thomas was a spark with six points, three assists and three steals.
"Samara and Destiny played really, really well. Madi played well. I think it's first-game jitters. The lights were on. Hopefully we can rebound Wednesday," coach Terry Bowe said.
SMWC went into the final quarter tied at 51, but the Pomeroys had eight turnovers in the final period, while shooting 4 of 12.
The Pomeroys' best stretch was at the end of the third quarter. Finding itself in a 51-43 deficit after a 3-pointer by Tykara Harrison with 3:04 left in the third period, SMWC's reserve unit went to work. Fueger hit a pair of free throws, and Aubrey Burgess converted a layup after a steal by Thomas. Douglas hit two free throws to make it 51-49 with 1:05 left in the third. Thomas made another steal and connected on a jumper to even the score at 51-51.
But St. Francis started the fourth with four points on its first two possessions of the fourth quarter, while SMWC had turnovers on its first three possessions.
"I thought we were prepared for (the Fighting Saints') pressure. They were real aggressive with it. We've got to get better. That's the bottom line," Bowe said.
In the first half, Abby Worley hit a pair of 3-pointers in the first period to help SMWC battle back after falling behind 12-5 after 5 ½ minutes.
Kylee Stepp hit a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter and Irye Gomez hit another to keep the Pomeroys within 32-27 at halftime.
SMWC returns to action Wednesday at home against Rose-Hulman in a return of the Crosstown Classic.