SAINT LOUIS, MO- A slow start and turnovers put the Miners in the hole early against the Saints. Despite having three players score in double-digits, Maryville's offense was hard to stop as S&T dropped their season opener 83-71.

The Miners got out to a slow start in the first quarter, getting down 7-1 in the first 90 seconds of the game. Ashley Harvey (Raytown, Mo./Raytown) and Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy) sank back-to-back lay-ups for S&T to make it a 9-5 game.

The Saints and the Miners traded baskets for the remainder of the opening quarter with Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) sinking a short jumper just outside the lane to put S&T down 19-14 heading into the second quarter.

Turnovers and fouls were the enemy for S&T in the second quarter, losing Kristin Keys and Ashley Harvey (Raytown, Mo./Raytown) to fouls early. The Miners saving grace; Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy), who scored 15 of her team-high 22 points in the final eight minutes of the first half.

After getting down by as much as 14, S&T fought back to make it a 30-25 game with 6:15 left in the second quarter. Maryville's Antoinette Mussorici and Hunter Stidham took things into their own hands for the Saints, scoring 11 points to close out the half and push their lead out to 43-31 going into the break.

Maryville opened up shop in the third quarter, extending their lead to as much as 23 after a 3-pointer from Hunter Stidham.

S&T chipped away at the Saints lead, going on a 14-3 run mid-way through the third quarter and cutting their deficit to 12 after Marta Durk (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) sank two free-throws.

The Miners and Saints would trade baskets to end the third quarter and look at a 66-53 Maryville advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of play.

While S&T's offense kept their momentum, Maryville had an answer for everything.

Jayda Jansen sealed the deal for the Saints after draining a three-pointer from the left wing with 51 seconds left in the game to push MU's lead out to 83-69. Marta Durk (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) would get an easy lay-up at the other end just before the buzzer to finish the game with an 83-71 final.

Missouri S&T (0-1; 0-1 GLVC) had three players score in double-digits. Alex Kerr (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph's Academy), who finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds, was joined by Laura Rodriguez (Gran Canaria, Spain/Baloncesto Torrelodones) and Marta Durk (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon Township) who scored 20 and 18 points, respectively.

As a team, the Miners shot 50% from the field and added in five blocks.

S&T will be back in action next Thursday when they open their home schedule against the Bearcats of McKendree University. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Gale Bullman Gymnasium.