LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Spalding University women's basketball team fell in their first conference opener , 76-60, to Eureka College Saturday afternoon at Derek Smith Gymnasium. With the loss, SU's record falls to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the SLIAC.

The Golden Eagles started strong with the offensive efforts of Alex Martin and Lelanda Matthews. Martin scored seven points to the Golden Eagles score, including a three pointer, and grabbed five rebounds, while Maya Hardin ended the half with seven points and seven total rebounds. Although SU had a better shooting percentage as team, Eureka's Hayley Reneau made four shots from behind the arc totaling 18 points in the first 20 minutes giving the Red Devils a 42-38 lead at the half.

SU struggled offensively in the second half, shooting just 29 percent from the field, and went just 1-for-11 from the behind the arc. Eureka shot just under 50 percent, making four three pointers to pull away from the Golden Eagles. Martin ended the game with 21 points and seven rebounds. Hardin earned a double-double on the day, scoring 10 points, and grabbing 11 boards.

Next, the Golden Eagles will face Iowa Wesleyan University at Derek Smith Gymnasium in Louisville, Ky. The SLIAC game is set for 1 pm on December 10^th.