After an 18-day layoff, the Nebraska Wesleyan University women showed some rust as they dropped a 55-49 decision at Benedictine University on Wednesday night (Dec. 29) at in Lisle, Illinois.

NWU committed 29 turnovers and shot only 37.0 percent from the floor to drop their fifth straight game. The Prairie Wolves fall to 5-5 overall and will end the year with a game at Elmhurst University on Dec. 31.

The Prairie Wolves never led in the first half and trailed 26-18 at halftime after falling behind by as many as 10 points in the first 20 minutes.

NWU then opened the second half on a 10-2 run and a 3-pointer by Janelle Ball tied the game at 28-28 with 15:28 to play. The game would go back and forth with four ties over the next 10 minutes.

Benedictine finally gained a 41-40 advantage with 5:19 left in the game and would never trail again. The Prairie Wolves went nearly four minutes without a point as Benedictine climbed out to a nine-point advantage.

One last run came to late as Shea Rasmussen hit a 3-pointer to pull NWU within 53-49 with just three seconds left. Benedictine hit two free throws to end the game and seal the win.

Just six players scored for the Prairie Wolves with three players reaching double figures. Sadie Struebing, who came off the bench against Benedictine, led the way with 15 points hitting 5-6 at the free throw line. Shea Rasmussen and Katy Golden both had 10 points. Mallory Shanahan led the way with 12 rebounds.

Jenn Brenn led Benedictine with 13 points.