TOWSON, Md. - Despite a career-high seven three-pointers from Simona Petronyte, the Tigers fell to Coppin State 75-68 in the season openers for both teams. Petronyte's three pointers tied the Tigers' (0-1) single-game record for three pointers made.

"I'm pleased with drive that we showed trying to come back late in the game," said Coach Joe Mathews. "I'm disappointed though that we needed the comeback."

The Tigers opened the game on an 8-0 run which included four points from Sheree Ledbetter. The Tigers extended their lead to 12-8 with 14:00 minutes to play in the half. Ledbetter scored eight of the first 12 points for the home team. The two teams battled on both ends of the court and a Krystal Parnell jumper at 10:18 put Towson up 18-12. Jeanine Manley hit a lay-up at 10:01 that started a 7-1 Eagles run and made it a 19-19 game with 7:41 to play in the half. The Tigers would push their lead to 22-19 with 5:51 to play. Crystal Whittington hit a pair of free throws at 5:19 to start a 13-5 run by the visitors to close out the half. Coppin State held a 32-27 lead at the break.

Trailing by five coming out the locker room at the half, the Tigers saw Coppin State hit three straight baskets and extend its lead to 38-27 with 17:49 to play in the game. Petronyte hit a three-pointer at 17:32 to break up the Eagles' run. The two teams would continue to trade baskets with a lay-up by Dawnnae Roberts at 13:23 putting the visitors up 49-37.

Petronyte hit back-to-back three pointers at 9:07 to pull Towson to within six, 55-49. Coppin State would respond with a 9-0 run to take a 64-49 lead with 6:17 to play. The two teams traded baskets and Coppin State led 69-54 with 3:27 to play. Petronyte's fifth three-pointer of the half at 3:13 started a 14-1 run by the Tigers. The run was capped by the senior's seventh three-pointer of the half at 1:11. That run pulled Towson to within two at 70-68. The Eagles would score the final five points of the half to seal the 75-68 victory.

Petronyte led the Tigers with a career-high 23 points in the game. She connected on 7-of-9 three-pointers, all the in the second half to tie the school's single-game record which was last done in 1996 by Trinette Tucker.

"I just felt good tonight and was able to find a groove to help the team in the second half," said Petronyte.

Ledbetter scored a career-high 16 points and grabbed five rebounds in her first career start for the Tigers. Dovile Miliauskaite recorded the fourth "double-double" of her career with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Parnell had six assists and four steals to go along with three points. Jaleesa Dryver added nine points and four rebounds.

Whittington and Leola Spotwood led Coppin State with 17 points apiece in the contest. Whittington added eight rebounds while Spotwood had six boards. Shawntae Payne had 15 points and seven assists in the contest.

The Tigers return to action on Tuesday, November 16 when they host St. Francis at 5 p.m. That game will be the first of a doubleheader which will feature the Tiger men at home at 7:30 p.m.

-- TIGERS --