BOX SCORE

PHOTO GALLERY

LATROBE (Nov. 16) - The Bearcats held a two-point lead at halftime, but were unable to maintain it, dropping a 60-51 decision to Capital (Ohio) in non-conference action to open the season at the Carey Center.

The loss moves the Bearcats to 0-1 to begin the 2013-14 campaign and have dropped the season opener in two straight years for the first time since 2004-05 and 2005-06. Capital avenges an 84-66 loss to the Bearcats in Columbus during the 2011-12 season in improving to 1-0.

The two teams played close to begin the game, but a free throw by Shelby Sheets at 15:12 tied the game at 7-7 and sent the Crusaders on a 8-0 run that lasted 4:08, 14-7. A pair of free throws by junior guard Elle Collins ended the drought and another set of free throws by freshman Mara Benvenuti made it a three-point game.

After a Capital free throw made it 15-11, SVC used a 7-0 run that included jumpers by junior guard Jessica Welch and freshman forward Brianna Zajac before a three-pointer by sophomore guard Drew Meeker capped the run at 5:01 to play in the first half, 18-15.

There would be two ties and a two lead changes the rest of the half as SVC took a 25-23 lead into the locker room.

Capital started the second half with a 10-0 run in the first three minutes, sparked by a pair of three pointers, to open up an eight-point, 33-25 lead. Once the Crusaders took the lead with 18:30 remaining in the game, SVC never tied or led the rest of the way. The margin was as close as two points, 37-35, after a three-pointer by freshman guard Susie Ellis at the 13:03-mark, but SVC was unable to get the Capital lead below three points.

Collins led the Bearcats and tied for the game high with 12 points, the only SVC player in double figures. Four Bearcats score six points, Ally Schmidt, Ashlee Darby, Ellis and Zajac.

SVC, who was out-rebounded, 54-51, was led by Darby's game- and career-high 12 boards. Collins added six rebounds and Schmidt finished with four boards, four assists and two steals.

SVC returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 20, traveling to Altoona, Pa., for a 6 p.m. tip against Penn State Altoona.