ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Women's Basketball) – Poor shooting and turnovers plagued the Florida Tech women's basketball team (2-1, 0-1 SSC) in its Sunshine State Conference opener Wednesday night, resulting in a 65-53 loss to the Eckerd Tritons (2-1, 1-0 SSC) on the road in St. Petersburg, Florida.
 
Tanease Richardson recorded a double-double for the Panthers on 17 points, including 7-of-7 from the line, and a game-high 10 rebounds. Shequana Harris also ended with 17 points to go along with seven boards.
 
DeLise Williams added nine points, while Michaela Gelbaugh collected six points and six rebounds.  Julie McCarthy had a strong defensive outing, racking up eight boards, five steals and three blocks, though she did not record a point in the contest.
 
Three Tritons finished in double-figures, led by Victoria Vines' 17 points, seven rebounds, seven steals and three assists. Anna Deegan tallied 13 points, two steals and two assists and Ashley Folsom notched 10 points. Juday Kacie posted eight points and eight rebounds.
 
Eckerd's defense stifled Florida Tech all night, forcing 23 turnovers and only allowing the Panthers to make 25 percent from the field (15-of-60), including 2-of-15 from beyond the arc. The Tritons hit 32.3 percent of their attempts (20-of-62) and 6-of-21 from deep.
 
The Panthers dominated the glass 48-29, including a 19-9 disparity in offensive boards.
 
Despite a slow start and seven turnovers, the Panthers found themselves only trailing Eckerd 18-15 at the end of the first quarter following a Williams' three-pointer in the final seconds. FIT's deficit increased to eight with 2:11 remaining in the half but a 5-0 run, capped by Gelbaugh's three-point basket, had the Panthers back to within three, 30-27, at the break.
 
In the second half, the Tritons' extended their advantage to 11 points, 43-32, with 4:34 left in the third but FIT was able to cut the deficit back to six after a 9-4 run to close the third quarter. However, that would be the closest the Panthers would get the rest of the game as Eckerd finished off the contest from the free throw line, pushing its lead to 12 before the final whistle.
 
Florida Tech will look to bounce back from its first loss of the season in its home opener against SSC foe Barry on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. ET at the Clemente Center. Fans can access live coverage of the action at FloridaTechSports.com/live.