Women’s basketball started the season off with a win and a loss after this weekend’s play. The ‘Cats suffered a loss to Louisiana State University Nov. 15 followed by a victory over Valparaiso Nov. 16. The women were taking part in the Women’s Sports Foundation Championship this weekend.

In the consolation round of the tournament, the ‘Cats pulled through with a 68-50 victory over Valparaiso. Juniors Jana Rediger and Jennifer Hilgenberg led ‘Nova. The ‘Cats grabbed an early lead. Within just seven minutes of the game, the ‘Cats had a 10 point lead over the Crusaders. Rediger contributed eight of those points. By halftime though, Valparaiso, led by Katie Boone and Suzie Hamel, came back and narrowed the score to a one-point margin.

After halftime, the Crusaders grabbed the lead within the first 15 minutes. ‘Nova came back with an impressive run, started by sophomore Liad Suez. In the remaining 14 minutes of the game, ‘Nova outscored Valparaiso 26-8.

Offensively, the ‘Cats started the season well. The team connected with over half of its field goals in the game against the Crusaders. In addition, the ‘Cats had 25 assists and out-rebounded their opponent 36-22. Senior Courtney Mix, on her own, had 10 assists and nine rebounds, proving that she will be leader on the team this season.

Saturday’s game against LSU was a different story however. The ‘Cats were defeated by the No. 9 Tigers 63-56 which sent them to the consolation round of the tournament to match up against Valparaiso while LSU advanced to the championship game of the Women’s Sports Foundation Classic.

Suez led the ‘Cats with 21 points while Seimone Augustus, the national freshman of the year last season, led LSU with 19 points. Villanova held the lead for a good portion of the game.

Kelly Nash hit a three-pointer in the first half to give the ‘Cats an eight point lead. With 15 minutes remaining in the first half, Mix put one up to give the ‘Cats a 38-26 lead. ‘Nova held the lead by five going into the second half, but with four minutes to go, LSU took the lead with a three pointer by Scholanda Hoston. The shot kicked off a scoring spree. The Tigers hit 12 of 16 to secure the win.

Next, the women play home against Fairfield, 2 p.m. on Sunday.