BETHANY – After three failed attempts to compete in action this season due to COVID-19 cancellations, the Southern Nazarene women's basketball team was finally able to get their feet wet against the 21^st ranked Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs. However, the extended break for SNU proved to be too much as they fell 98-73 to SWOSU in the Sawyer Center on Thursday night.
 
The Crimson Storm (0-1, 0-1 GAC) struggled to establish any rhythm as they finished the matchup shooting a mere 36% from the floor. No. 21 Southwestern Oklahoma State (4-0, 4-0 GAC) didn't experience the same shooting woes as they turned in a 47.4 field-goal percentage and knocked down 12 triples.
 
The matchup produced a total of 48 turnovers, 28 of those forced by SWOSU. The Bulldogs built a fence around the basket as they held the Storm under 39% shooting from the floor until the fourth quarter of play. Ultimately, it was the Southwestern Oklahoma State scoring runs that prevented SNU from cutting into the lead.
 
Southern Nazarene was limited to seven players which sprung Cassandra Awatt and Emily Monaghan into starring roles. Awatt turned in a career-high 20 points, came down with seven rebounds, and dished out two assists. Monaghan also put up a career-high 19 points while poking away at four steals.
 
Senior Kennedy Gillette collected a double-double in the season opener with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Nefer Leon came off the bench to add 10 points, three steals, and four assists.
 
The Crimson Storm make a quick turnaround on Saturday as they face off against Southeastern Oklahoma State (2-2, 2-2 GAC) in Durant. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.