FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Methodist outscored Mary Baldwin 23-6 in the second quarter Saturday afternoon to take a 33-14 halftime lead and the Monarchs went on to hand the Fighting Squirrels their first loss of the season, 53-43.

Methodist led 10-8 after the first quarter, but the second quarter spelled the difference. Mary Baldwin struggled from the field, making just 3-of-12 shots in the second quarter. Meanwhile, the Monarchs could not miss as they connected on 11-of-12 shots to open up the big halftime lead.

MBU trimmed the margin down to single digits with 2:14 left in the third quarter when Mary Moran knocked down a jumper, cutting the deficit to 34-25. The Squirrels, however, would get no closer the rest of the way as they dropped their conference opener to the Monarchs.

Despite having a tough shooting day, senior guard Demet Saygili turned in a solid all-around effort with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. MBU guard Monica Ramis came off the bench and added 11 points.

Mary Baldwin, now 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the USA South East Division, returns to action Tuesday evening when the Squirrels host Southern Virginia in conference action.