Kayla George (Peru, IN/Maconaquah) connected on four three-pointers and scored a game-high 18 points, but it was not enough as IU South Bend (2-4) fell behind early to 14th-ranked Cardinal Stritch and were never able to overcome the deficit, falling 63-52.

After a sluggish start for both squads saw the score tied at four nearly five minutes into the contest, the Titans picked up back-to-back scores from Lizzie Stapke (Highland, IN/Highland) to take a 8-4 edge. The Wolves answered, however, scoring the next five points to grab the lead.

After the teams traded baskets, the IU South Bend found itself with a one-point edge at 12-11, but it would be their final lead, as Stritch rattled off seven more consecutive points - the start of a 17-6 run - and pulled out to a double-digit lead with just over a minute remaining in the opening half.

George answered with a pair of free throws, and after a CSU offensive foul, Staci Funkhouser (McCordsville, IN/Mount Vernon) connected on a triple to pull the lead back to five. Stritch came up empty again on their next possession, giving the Titans a chance to pull closer yet, but Stapke came up short on another triple just before the halftime horn that would have made it a two-point game.

Nichole Sly (Niles, MI/Niles) opened the second half scoring with a pair of free throws to pull the Titans within three, but the Wolves answered again, scoring the next nine points to push their advantage back to double figures.

The Titans pulled to within four with eight minutes to play, but suffered through three empty possessions, allowing the Wolves to push the lead back to ten. They again closed the lead to four with 2:32 and 1:37 to play, but each time, CSU responded, holding on for the 63-52 win.

Leah Meyer (Goshen, IN/Northridge) and Sly each added eight points for the Titans, while Stapke nabbed four steals.

The Titans return to the court on Saturday, November 19, when they travel to Trinity Christian. Tip off of that game is set for 2:00 PM (EST).