EVANSVILLE, Ind.--The Bellarmine University women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the season this evening, falling 63-53 to St. Mary's (Tex.) in the opening round of the University of Southern Indiana Thanksgiving Classic.

The Knights (2-1) broke out on top on a jumper by Chelsea Hawkins, but the 2-0 advantage would be the only lead the Knights would enjoy as Bellarmine's cool 35 percent shooting in the first half helped stake the Rattlers to a 30-23 halftime lead.

St. Mary's (4-2) dominated the inside play, owning a 38-26 advantage in rebounding, and outscored the Knights 36-24 in the paint.

Jalissa Chatlos led the Knights with 15 points, and Lauren Jones chipped in 11.  St. Mary's top scorers both came off the bench with Mareta Bailey netting 16 for game high honors, while Kristen Williams scored 12 in just 17 minutes of action.

The Knights return to action tomorrow afternoon in day 2 action of the USI Thanksgiving Classic.  Bellarmine will square off against the University of St. Francis (ind.), who were 81-71 winners over the host USI Screaming Eagles earlier today.  TIp is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CST).

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