OMAHA, Neb. – In its season opener, the College of Saint Mary basketball team couldn't recover from a slow start and dropped a 94-73 decision to William Penn University Saturday at the Lied Fitness Center.

The Statesmen raced to a 27-12 lead after one quarter. Over the final three periods, WPU only outscored the Flames by a 67-61 margin.

"What really hurt us was that first quarter,'' CSM first-year coach Natalie Miller said. "A lot of that is first-game jitters. But I think there were some ladies that really stepped up and showed me that I can expect good things from them.''

Two of those appear to be senior Aleigha Jackson and junior Madelyn Gaughen. The 5-foot-5 Jackson turned in a double-double with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. The 5-9 Gaughen added 17 points, nine rebounds and three steals.

Adriana McGee, Chainey Thompson and Meghan Keil added nine points apiece, while Haley Debuse contributed eight. McGee grabbed eight rebounds.

"Offensively, we had some ladies really step up that didn't have that role last year or were newcomers,'' Miller said. "We didn't have enough movement with the ball or off ball, though. Overall, a lot of things for us to just sharpen. Only up from here.''

The Flames did a nice job behind the 3-point line, hitting 10 of 28 (35.7%). Thompson, Jackson and Keil canned three each.

"Obviously a new system with a new coach,'' Miller said. "Seeing who can fit the system and fill roles was exciting for us. I definitely think we're heading in the right direction.''

CSM returns to action twice at home next week with its CSM Classic, hosting Peru State College on Tuesday and McPherson College on Thursday, both with 6 p.m. tips.