MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - Ripon College entered game one of the Cruzin Classic in Miami Shores, Fla. enjoying the sun and fun. Their game against University of Mary Washington wasn't as fun as they'd hoped though. The Red Hawks scored just 14 points in the first half, as they struggled to a 45-32 loss.

The Red Hawks (4-4) fell behind by at least five points on three seperate occasionsin the first half. University of Mary (5-2) led from the outset, but were threatened several times. With just over three minutes to play, University of Mary took a seven point lead, but Ripon was able to hold them the rest of the way. The Red Hawks scored the final four points of the half, on two Jeni Yaeger free throws, and a layup by Morgan Roberts, to trail by three, going into the half.

University of Mary made sure the game wasn't in doubt in the second half, using a 19-3 run to begin the second period, en route to their largest lead of 19 points. Leigh Kampman's three-point shot gave University of Mary their largest lead of the game with just over eight minutes to play. Ripon did their best to cut into that lead the rest of the way, cutting the lead to 13 points. That would be as close as the Red Hawks would get however, as they could never really get any consistency out of their offense.

Ripon was led by Sara Gustafson's nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Yaeger finished with seven points, while Roberts chipped in with five points. Jessica DeHamer ended the game with five points and three rebounds, off the bench. The Red Hawks were held to just 22 percent shooting, including a 21 percent performance in the first half.

University of Mary lost the turnover battle 28-18, but used their 45 percent second half shooting to put the game away. Debbie Bruen was the only player to score in double figures, putting up 16 points, in addition to her six rebounds. Kampman ended the game with nine points and seven rebounds, while Liz Hickey ended with four points and 10 boards.

Ripon will once again be in action Monday in Day Two of the Cruzin Classic. The Red Hawks will take on Loras College (IA) at 4:00 p.m. at Miami Shores, Fla.