The Blackburn College Women's Baskeball Team lost their season opener to St. Mary of the Woods, 111-87 on Tuesday night in Carlinville. The visiting Pomeroys employed "the system" to help score at a frenetic pace all night long. 

The Pomeroys, playing in their fifth game of the season jumped out to a 28-18 first quarter lead. In the second period, St. Mary of the Woods led by as many as 17 points before Blackburn closed to within ten points at the half 48-38. 

The Beavers came out stong in the second half cutting the lead to one at 52-51, on a three-pointer by Aleisha Stiltner. Blackburn was not able to tie or take the lead before the Pomeroys went on a 22 to 6 run, leading 80-61 at the end of three quarters. St. Mary of the Woods extended their lead and led by as many as 27 before finishing with the victory.

It was the most points Blackburn has scored in a contest since November 2013.

For Blackburn freshman Maria Cline in her first collegiate contest, led the Beavers in scoring with 17 points. Joining her in double figures was Stiltner with 15 points, and Jordan Laczkowski chipped in 12. The Beavers were done in by commiting 38 turnovers on the night. Blackburn shot a respectable 43 percent on 35 of 82 shooting. 

For St. Mary of the Woods, who improved to 2-3 on the season, Tara Palmer led them in scoring with 30 points. 

Blackburn will travel north to compete in the Wheaton College tournament this weekend.