EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell University women's basketball team fell to 23^rd-ranked Montana Western, 77-52, in Saturday evening's home opener.
 
Montana Western (3-1) grabbed a double-digit lead early in the second quarter, bringing a 43-29 advantage into the break. The Bulldogs did not allow the Beacons to inch any closer throughout the remainder of the game.   
 
The Bulldogs led by as many as 28 points in the contest and shot 50% on the night. Jordan Sweeney led all scorers, recording 22 points, including a 5-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. Brynley Fitzgerald finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
 
Bushnell (2-2) was led by 13 points from Bella Pedrojetti. Pedrojetti made a trio of three-pointers in the second quarter and accounted for 11 of the Beacons' 16 points in the period. Olivia Bailon finished with nine points on 4-for-6 shooting.
 
The Beacons shot 36.8% from the floor, 33.3% from three and made 4-of-4 attempts from the free throw line. The Bulldogs won the rebounding battle, 37-30, and forced 16 Beacon turnovers.
 
Up next, Bushnell hosts Lewis & Clark College on Wednesday, November 16 at 6 p.m. in the Morse Center.