First-year Olivia Middleton tallied 15 points and junior Katie Frederick grabbed 14 rebounds, but St. John Fisher edged the St. Lawrence University women's basketball team 62-58 in the Saints' season opener at Burkman Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

Ava McCann shot 2-for-5 from the arc and added 10 points for the Saints, while Annabella Pugliese finished with a second-best seven rebounds. Middleton added five assists, while Frederick recorded two blocks and Frederick, Middleton and McCann each recorded a steal.

The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead, building a 21-11 lead nearing the end of the first quarter. The Saints managed to bring the game within five after the first ten minutes of play. St. Lawrence cut the Cardinals lead to two (31-29) on two good free throws from Frederick, but the Cardinals extended their lead to 41-31 at halftime.

St. John Fisher maintained its double-digit advantage through most of the third frame, but allowed the Saints to come within four once again (53-47) on a jumper from Pugliese.

A 3-pointer from Middleton brought the score to 57-56, but the Cardinals' Ella Eckert pushed the Cardinals lead to 59-56 and St. John Fisher was able to hold on for the win.

"This was a game we learned as it went along," said head coach Dan Roiger. "We aren't quite disciplined enough on defense yet and made some mistakes that St. John Fisher capitalized on. We need to guard the arc better. Great effort, loved the comeback and determination, we just made one error too many. I know this group will analyze and make adjustments for next weekend's tournament."



Miranda Lynch led the Cardinals with 19 points, while Eckert grabbed a team best eight rebounds. Eckert and Leah Koonmen each totaled eight points each, while Julia Mertsock finished with eight rebounds. Koonmen also finished with three assists and two steals.

The Saints picked up 19 points off turnovers, while the Cardinals grabbed 14. St. Lawrence finished shooting 35.6 percent from the floor to the Cardinals' 30.8 percent.

St. John Fisher moved to 1-0 on the season, while the Saints fell to 0-1.

St. Lawrence will travel to New London, New Hampshire to participate in the Colby College tournament on November 15-16.