LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bellarmine University women's basketball team poured its best effort into the estimable obstacle, but the Knights couldn't quite overcome Eastern Kentucky's roaring start, leading to a 79-66 loss to Colonels on Saturday afternoon in Atlantic Sun Conference play in Freedom Hall.

Bellarmine (5-10, 0-3 ASUN) dropped its conference home opener despite a career-high 18 points from senior guard Ashlee Harris, who hit 6-of-10 shots and all four free throws against Eastern Kentucky (12-5, 1-2).

Antwainette Walker led EKU's charge out of the gate. The ASUN Preseason Player of the Year scored eight points in the first quarter, including back-to-back 3-pointers, that helped the Colonels bolt out to a 21-8 lead. Walker scored a game-high 21 points, and Alice Recanati, another Preseason All-ASUN selection, added 19 points.

Bellarmine played dead even with Eastern Kentucky over the final three quarters, but the Knights never caught up to the Colonels, who led 41-24 at halftime. The most glaring statistic was EKU's 26-6 advantage in points off turnovers; the Knights had 21 giveaways to the 12 of the Colonels.

Still, Bellarmine put forth a gutsy rally in the second half. The Knights' offense started clicking in the third quarter when it converted 8-of-16 shots, including 2-for-3 from deep.

Bellarmine cut a 24-point deficit midway through the third to nine with seven minutes left in the fourth after a basket by senior guard Mackenzie Keelin. The Knights remained within nine on a jumper by junior guard Hayley Harrison with 4:42 remaining and cut it to seven on a 3-pointer by senior guard Claire Knies with 1:45 to go, but EKU ultimately kept the comeback bid at bay.

Junior guard Hope Sivori nailed a trio of 3-pointers in scoring 15 points with seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Harrison got untracked in the second half and finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Knies chipped in 10 points.

Bellarmine will host North Alabama at 6:30 p.m. (ET) Thursday.

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