BELMONT, N.C. – Abigail Crain set a new career-high scoring mark with 26 points as the Belmont Abbey women's basketball team opened the home schedule against UVA Wise Saturday at the Wheeler Center.
 
The Crusaders took an early lead but it was the Cavaliers who came away with a 77-69 victory.
 
Saturday's contest marked the first home game for head coach Kim Lusk.
 
Belmont Abbey falls to 0-2 on the season while UVA Wise is now 4-0.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Crusaders took a 13-10 lead after the opening quarter thanks in part to a 7-0 run during the period.
Catherine Hendershott scored the initial basket of that frame. She also finished in double figures with 16 points.
The Crusaders  finished with a 32-27 rebounding advantage over the Cavaliers. Riley James led The Abbey with six rebounds.
Redshirt freshman forward Ricky Lesenyego made her first career collegiate start for Belmont Abbey.
After trailing by double digits in the first quarter, Belmont Abbey was able to re-capture the lead in the second half thanks to a pair of free throws by Crain.
The 22 points in the third quarter is an early season high for Belmont Abbey.
Belmont Abbey had a 12-6 advantage in second half points.
 
UP NEXT
The Crusader open Conference Carolinas play with a game against Converse at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheeler Center.
Tuesday's conference opener will be the second of four straight home games for The Abbey.