MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's basketball team lost its season opener in a non-conference contest against Shawnee State University. The Friday afternoon contest proved to be a tough season opener for both teams, as both the Running Eagles and the Bears combined to shoot 1-32 from long range.

To start the game, both teams battled back-and-forth in the opening quarter as there were two lead changes and three ties in the opening quarter. Shawnee State eventually came out on top after one, 11-8.

Second quarter action saw the Running Eagles continue to struggle on the offensive end, scoring 14 points in the second period as the lead extended to four at halftime, 26-22. At the half, Fapou Semebene led all scorers in white with eight while Kam Elzy and Marine Holland combined for 18 in the first half for Shawnee State. 

In the second half, a rejuvenated Bears' defense held Life U. to nine total points in the third quarter, extending the gap by another point, 36-31.

The offensive woes continued for both teams into the fourth as the Running Eagles scored 13 in the period but would again be outscored by the visitors as shots continued to not fall through.  Transition baskets for the Bears helped the team from Ohio take the win, improving to 1-0 on the season in the first of their season-opening weekend trip. 

In the end, the Bears gained an early lead in the first quarter and never looked back en route to a 53-44 win.

Up next, the Running Eagles will travel to Montgomery, Alabama next weekend to compete in the SSAC/SUN Challenge. The teams first game is scheduled for Friday, November 4th at 11 am.