KEARNEY, Neb. - The Nebraska-Omaha women's basketball team lost its season opening game, dropping an 87-79 decision to in-state rival Nebraska-Kearney on Monday night at the Health and Sports Center.  UNK has now won three straight against the Mavericks and eight straight at Kearney.

Junior #Ashley Nelson# had a big night for the Mavericks, scoring a career-high 20 points.  She shot 7-of-9 from the floor including one three-pointer and also was 5-for-5 from the free throw line.  Senior #Kamillia Brown had a career-best 13 points while junior Alyssa Green and senior Amanda Brodsack# chipped in 11 each.  Green led all Mavs with 6 assists while Broadsack pulled in a team-high 7 rebounds.

Freshman Debra Johnson had 18 points to lead the way for the Lopers.  Seniors Kassi Schuppe and Jonni Mildenberger each had 16.

UNO trailed by 10, 43-33, at the half as the Mavericks missed 6 of their first 7 shots.  However, the Mavs outscored UNK in the second half, 46-44.  The two teams combined for 59 fouls and 55 turnovers.

The Mavericks are now 0-1 on the season.  They return to the court on Wednesday, Nov. 19 when they host the Dana College Vikings at 5:30 p.m.