LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Le'lani Harris hit for 20-plus points for the sixth time this season, finishing with a game-high 24, and Laurelei Thormeyer notched her 13th double-digit scoring performance of the season with her 11 markers, but neither of those feats could overcome a season-low 25.8 shooting percentage from the floor in the University of St. Francis women's basketball team's 67-55 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference setback to Viterbo University (Wis.) on Saturday afternoon.

The Fighting Saints (18-6, 11-5 CCAC) managed to hit just 16 of their 62 attempts in the contest, while Viterbo (13-11, 6-10) was able to convert 23 of its 49 tries (46.9 pct.).  The Saints struggled mightily from behind the arc, sinking only five of their season-high 33 attempts (15.2 pct.).

Symone Harrell (five steals, six rebounds, two blocked shots) and Amou Ring (two steals, seven rebounds, one blocked shot) each had big days defensively, but the Saints' offense could not find a rhythm throughout the contest.  One area in which they could not capitalize came in their 20-10 advantage on the offensive glass, netting just nine total points in second-chance opportunities.  USF did, however, hold a 16-9 advantage in points off turnovers.

For Viterbo, four of its five starters tallied at least ten points, topped by Marley Hughes' 14 points.

The Saints started the first quarter with a 4-0 lead.  By the end of the frame, though, Viterbo was able to force a 17-all tie before outscoring USF in each of the three remaining quarters.  The first quarter was the only one in which the Saints shot above 30 percent (6-for-15).
 
After trailing by double-digits the majority of the third quarter, head coach John McGinty's club did get the deficit down to eight points (52-44) early in the fourth quarter only to have Viterbo go on a 9-2 run over a five-minute span to regain control with its largest lead of the day (61-46).  The Saints would outscore the V-Hawks 9-6 over the remaining three minutes, but still came up short with the 67-55 final score.

Up Next
The Saints will be at home on Wednesday, February 12 when they face Governors State University in another CCAC matchup.  Tip-off is slated for 5 pm.

You can keep up with all things USF on X @USFSaints.