BALTIMORE (Interstat) — Mount Saint Mary’s used a dominant first quarter to seize control and never looked back, defeating Loyola Maryland 69-50 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Reitz Arena.

The Mountaineers erupted for 23 points in the opening period while holding the Greyhounds to just 10, establishing a double-digit lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest. The victory improved Mount Saint Mary’s to 2-3 on the young season, while Loyola Maryland remained winless at 0-6.

Gabrielle Kennerly led the offensive charge for the Mountaineers, scoring a team-high 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. She was efficient from the free-throw line, making all of her attempts. Giana Hoddinott provided crucial support with 13 points, and Mikaela Parris chipped in nine off the bench.

Despite the loss, Loyola Maryland was carried by a stellar individual performance from Lex Therien. The 6-foot-1 forward from Marlton, New Jersey, poured in a game-high 26 points, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Kimmie Hicks was the only other Greyhound in double figures, finishing with 11 points.

The game was characterized by sloppy ball-handling and physical defense, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The teams combined for 43 turnovers, with Mount Saint Mary’s committing 22 and Loyola Maryland giving the ball away 21 times.

Mount Saint Mary’s found its offensive success not from the field, where it shot just 19 for 49, but from the perimeter and the free-throw line. The Mountaineers connected on 9 of 20 three-point attempts, a 45 percent clip that stretched the Loyola defense. They were also aggressive in drawing contact, making 22 of 27 free throws.

In contrast, Loyola Maryland’s offensive woes were comprehensive. The Greyhounds shot a frigid 12 for 42 from the floor and managed only 3 made three-pointers on 13 attempts. While they attempted 32 free throws, making 23, their inability to score from the field proved insurmountable.

Defensively, Mount Saint Mary’s protected the rim effectively, with Teodora Ivanovic recording three blocks. Wesleigh Fergsuon was a disruptive force on the perimeter, coming up with multiple steals and contributing seven points.

The Mountaineers built their initial lead with a 13-3 run midway through the first quarter, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Kennerly. Loyola Maryland could never cut the deficit to single digits after the opening period, as every Greyhound push was answered by a Mountaineer basket, often from long range or at the charity stripe.

Mount Saint Mary’s will look to build on the victory when it hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore on Wednesday. Loyola Maryland continues its search for its first win Sunday on the road at Yale.