ST. LOUIS, Mo. – For the first time since restarting its women's basketball program in 2018-19, the Mississippi University for Women took on a foe from its future athletic conference home, the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC). Unfortunately for the Owls, the result did not go as it had hoped for in its inaugural SLIAC bout, a 90-53 loss at Fontbonne University
 
MUW is slated to join the SLIAC in 2023-24, once it completes its transition to full NCAA Division III status.
 
The W had no answer for the Griffins inside game, which out-scored the Owls in the paint 40-18, and had a 37-27 edge on the glass, as well, resulting in 14 second-chance points. While neither team avoided the turnover bug (The W had 20 and FU had 19), Fontbonne converted MUW miscues into 28 of its points.
 
The W's depth also proved to be an issue, as Head Coach Drew Johnson had just three available substitutes, who gave him just a single point in the 40 minutes. Meanwhile, the Griffin reserves contributed 18 points to their cause.
 
Senior Rokila Wallace – a native of Columbus – continued to shine for The W. Wallace had team-leading totals of 22 points and eight rebounds. She also had two assists and two steals. The United States Collegiate Athletic Association leader in scoring, free throws made and free throws attempted did nothing to hurt any of those categories versus Fontbonne, going 9-of-11 from the charity stripe.
 
In The W's nine games, Wallace has reached double-figure scoring in each contest. She has topped 20 points on five occasions.
 
Junior post player MG Chamberlain also hit double-digit points with 14. She had three rebounds, a block and a steal on her game ledger, as well.
 
Freshman Jaycee Haynes had six points, thanks to a pair of three-point baskets, and pulled down four rebounds. Hannah Duran and Jasmine Shaw each chipped in five points, with the duo credited with four and five boards, respectively. Emma Hicks made one free throw to round out MUW's offense.
 
Shaw also garnered three assists and a blocked shot. Hicks grabbed two caroms off the class.
 
A busy week ahead for the Owls will see the team next travel to Georgia to face LaGrange College on Tuesday (Dec. 14/2 p.m. EST).