ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Capital University women's basketball team was unable to find rhythm on neither the offensive nor defensive end Saturday, falling 78-64 at Mount Union in an Ohio Athletic Conference contest at the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex.

Playing for the first time since Dec. 21, the Crusaders (6-5 overall, 3-2 OAC) struggled to find a consistent offensive flow while surrendering more than 70 points for just the third time this season.

The Purple Raiders (7-5, 1-4) knocked down 15 three-pointers and shot 50 percent from the floor in the affair. Capital forced 21 Mount Union turnovers, but was unable to climb out of a double-digit deficit following the first 20 minutes of play.

Senior guard Cookie Geroski (Fostoria, Ohio) led the Crusaders with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Junior forward Monica Heckman (Pitsburg, Ohio) contributed with 10 points and three rebounds, while sophomore guard Simonne Gage (Dayton, Ohio) posted nine points, four rebounds and a team-best five assists.

In the first half, Mount Union jumped out to an 11-2 advantage four minutes into the contest and led 14-6 at the 14:35 mark on the strength of four 3-pointers. The Crusaders, whose first 12 points came on lay-ups, eventually rebounded to take a 19-18 lead with 7:32 on the clock after three consecutive left-handed jump hooks by Heckman.

The Purple Raiders' 3-point barrage continued in the half and fueled a 13-2 run, and Capital trailed 31-21 with 2:52 left in the half. A 3-pointer by freshman guard Lauren Stefancin (Mentor, Ohio) temporarily cut the deficit back down to single digits, but Mount Union tallied on its final three possessions to make it 35-24 at halftime.

Gage and Heckman opened the second half with consecutive baskets to bring the Crusaders within 35-28 at the 18:06 mark, but that was the closest Capital would get. Mount Union extended its lead to as many as 22 in the period despite the Crusaders' 61.5 percent shooting after the half.

Capital visits cross-town rival Otterbein next Saturday as part of a women's-men's doubleheader in Westerville. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.