Sherman, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor women's basketball team used solid first-half defense and a rebounding edge to post a 97-85 victory over Austin College Saturday in Sherman. The Cru is now 1-0 on the year while Austin College falls to 0-1.

UMHB held the Kangaroos to 33 percent shooting in the first half while building a 55-31 lead at halftime. Austin College stormed back in the second half, but the Cru was able to hold off the Kangaroo charge.

Jonelle Smith led UMHB with 23 points on 6-10 shooting. Taylor Tucker had 19 points and eight rebounds. Kourtney Bevers added 15 points off the bench and Macy Moore chipped in 12. The Cru shot 44 percent from the field and hit 6-15 from three-point range. UMHB also out rebounded Austin College 44-38 in the victory.

Erin Riley and Christina Kime scored 25 points apiece for the Kangaroos. Austin College shot just 33 percent in the first half, but hit 57 percent in the second. The Kangaroos also turned the ball over 14 times.