Box Score MONTICELLO – The first round of Great American Conference action has come to a close for the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders as they fell 78-65 to the Cotton Blossoms of Arkansas-Monticello at Steelman Field House on Thursday night.
 
The Cotton Blossoms (3-12, 1-9 GAC) picked up their first conference win of the season as the Lady Muleriders (0-15, 0-10 GAC) remain winless on the season.
 
A trio of underclassmen led in scoring for the Cotton Blossoms as sophomore Catherine Puckett scored 15 points followed by 12 from freshman Jordan Gorforth and 11 from freshman Donlica James.
 
The Lady Muleriders were lead by sophomore guard Katherine McBride (Lucas, Texas) with 20 points. Double-doubles were recorded by junior guard Stevi Cooper (Reno, Nev.) and freshman center Tori Nichols (Houston, Miss.). Cooper was good for 16 points and 10 rebounds. Nichols added 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds.
 
The Cotton Blossoms shot 42 percent on 26 of 62 from the floor and were 28 of 37 from the line. The Lady Muleriders shot 39 percent on 24 of 62 from the floor and picked up 20 of 31 free throws.
 
The Lady Muleriders begin round two of their conference schedule on Saturday as they travel to Ouachita Baptist. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Bill Vining Arena.