BALTIMORE (Interstat) — Mount Saint Mary’s used a dominant first quarter to build an insurmountable lead and cruised to a 69-50 victory over Loyola Maryland in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Reitz Arena.

The Mountaineers exploded for 23 points in the opening period while holding the Greyhounds to just 10, setting a decisive tone from which Loyola Maryland never recovered. The win improved Mount Saint Mary’s to 2-3 on the season, while the Greyhounds remained winless at 0-6.

Gabrielle Kennerly led the Mountaineers with 21 points, including three 3-pointers, in 26 minutes of action. Giana Hoddinott added 13 points, and Mikaela Parris chipped in nine off the bench. The Mountaineers were efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 9 for 20, and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 22 of 27 attempts.

Despite committing 22 turnovers, Mount Saint Mary’s controlled the game through superior shooting. The Mountaineers shot 38.8 percent from the floor, while Loyola Maryland struggled mightily, converting only 12 of 42 field goal attempts for a 28.6 percent clip. The Greyhounds also went just 3 for 13 from 3-point range.

Lex Therien was the lone bright spot for Loyola Maryland, scoring a game-high 26 points. Kimmie Hicks was the only other Greyhound in double figures with 11 points. Loyola Maryland’s offensive woes were encapsulated by an offensive rating of 75.5, compared to Mount Saint Mary’s 98.8.

The game was characterized by sloppy ball-handling, with the teams combining for 43 turnovers. Loyola Maryland committed 21, though they did manage 13 steals. Mount Saint Mary’s won the rebounding battle 36-33, including a 14-12 edge on the offensive glass.

After the fast start, Mount Saint Mary’s maintained a comfortable lead throughout, taking a 39-21 advantage into halftime. The Greyhounds showed a brief spark in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mountaineers 18-17, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

Mount Saint Mary’s will look to build on the victory when it hosts Maryland-Eastern Shore on Nov. 26. Loyola Maryland will continue its search for its first win when it travels to face Yale on Nov. 23.