ST. DAVIDS, Pa.— A hot start was not enough as Eastern University Women's Basketball (2-3)  dropped a 59-39 decision to the visiting Muhlenberg College Mules (3-2). Adriana Summersett led the Eagles with 16 points in the squad's home opener.

The new-look Eagles led 13-6 after one quarter and opened the second on an 8-to-0 run to lead 21-6 only two minutes into the second quarter. Five different Eastern players scored as they opened the game shooting 8-of-21 from the floor with five made 3-pointers. 

The Mules defense took away open looks, and the Eagles did not score over the final 7:53 in the half. The two teams went to the break tied at 21. 

To start the second half, the Eagles found some success with Dominique Geiger driving against the bigger Mules. They built a 31-26 lead midway through the frame. Muhlenberg, however, scored 12 of the final 15 points of the quarter to go up 38-34 with ten minutes to play.

The visitors had their first 10-point lead with under five minutes left in the game, but eastern made only 2-of-15 in the fourth quarter and the lead ballooned late.

Summersett made 4-of-9 from deep to finish with game-high scoring honors. As a team, the Eagles made only 7-of-29 from long range and had very little opportunity to get easy shots inside against the bigger Mules.

Eastern had a 15-to-10 edge in rebounds through one quarter. The Mules finished with a 54-42 edge. The Eagles limited their guests to 33 percent shooting, and only 19 percent from behind the arc.

Madeline Wylie grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked a pair of shots. Lyndsey Costigan led Muhlenberg with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

The Eagles had only nine turnovers in the contest and were within a couple possessions until the fourth quarter.

The Eagles will play their next two games against Centennial Conference opponents. They will be at McDaniel on Saturday and will host Bryn Mawr College next Tuesday.