JACKSON, Mississippi – The University of Dallas women's basketball team opened the 2025–26 campaign on the road this past weekend, dropping contests to Millsaps (62–48) and Belhaven (90–49) inside The Hangar Dome. Despite the early setbacks, the Crusaders showed promising stretches and individual performances that set a competitive tone for the season ahead.

Game 1: Millsaps 62, Dallas 48

In Friday's opener, Dallas battled tough through four quarters but couldn't overcome a slow offensive start against the Majors. Sophomore La'Aria Miller provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and six rebounds, while Hailey Hawthorne contributed eight points, four assists, and two steals. Maria Podskarbi anchored the interior with a dominant 15-rebound performance, her first double-digit effort of her collegiate career.

Game 2: Belhaven 90, Dallas 49

The Crusaders faced another challenge Saturday against a sharp-shooting Blazers squad. Hawthorne followed up her strong opener with an impressive 16-point outing on 8-of-10 shooting, while Isabelle Chevalier added nine points and Lexi Arzate chipped in seven from the line. Podskarbi again led the rebounding effort with 11 boards, totaling 26 over the weekend.

While the Crusaders (0–2, 0–0 SCAC) couldn't find the win column in Jackson, the team showcased grit and growth in back-to-back non-conference matchups.

UP NEXT

Dallas returns home to Irving for its season debut inside the Maher Athletic Center, hosting Arlington Baptist on Nov. 13 at 7:30 PM.