Belmont Abbey sophomore Caitlin Ranson led the Abbey with a season-high 14 points, and junior Melisa Foures pulled down a career-best 14 rebounds, but the Crusaders women's basketball team suffered an 81-49 loss at Limestone this evening at the Timken Center. Limestone remains unbeaten at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in Conference Carolinas, while the Abbey suffers its first Conference Carolinas loss as its record evens at 2-2 overall and 2-1 in Conference Carolinas.

The Crusaders bolted out to a 7-2 lead, but the Saints outscored the Abbey 24-11 over the next 12 minutes to claim a lead they would never lose. The advantage grew to as high as 20 points at 36-16 with 2:39 to play, but the Crusaders scored the next five points, a jumper from Kelsey Long and a traditional three-point play from Alyx Ingram, but Limestone matched that by scoring the final five points of the half to carry a 41-21 lead into the break.

The second half was all Limestone, as it shot 40 percent from the field as its lead rose to as much as 38, and won by 32.

Ranson was the only Crusader to reach double figures as she poured in 14 points on four of 12 shooting. All four of her field goals were from three-point range. She also sank both of her free throw attempts. She added five rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot in 31 minutes. Foures added seven points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Belmont Abbey shot 30 percent (19-62) from the floor and 35 percent (six of 17) from three-point range.

Limestone received a game-high 17 points from Stephanie Hayes, one of four Saints to reach double figures. Limestone shot 47 percent (29-61) from the field.