RADNOR, PA. – The Cabrini women's basketball stumbled in its season opener tonight, as the Cavaliers fell to rival Eastern University 72-61 in the annual Battle for Eagle Road.

Senior Amber Keys led the Blue and White with 25 points, 16 rebounds and five steals, all career highs.  Freshman Erin Dodds added 11 points in her collegiate debut.

Junior Dana Peterson tallied nine points, while senior Megan Decker added eight points, nine rebounds and three steals.

The opening half was a defensive struggle, as both team showed opening night jitters.  The clubs combined for 22 first half turnovers and connected on less than 32% from the floor.

The Blue and White extended its 30-26 halftime lead to a seven point cushion early in the second half.  A pair of Keys free throws put the Cavaliers ahead 37-30 with 17:44 on the clock, when Eastern began its comeback.  

Over the next 6:11, the Eagles went on an 18-3 run to build a 48-40 advantage with 11:33 to play.  Two minutes later, a Peterson three pointer cut the deficit to 48-46 but again Eastern had an answer, as five quick points rebuilt its seven point lead.

Another Peterson bucket brought Cabrini to within 63-59 with 1:47 to play, but Eastern connected on 9-12 from the free throw line to seal the win.

After shooting 29% from the floor in the opening 20 minutes, Eastern connected on 12-23 after the break and hit 19-26 from the charity stripe.

The Cavaliers never found their shooting touch, hitting just 30.9% from the floor, including 4-24 from three point range.

Cabrini controlled the lane, outrebounding the Eagles 48-40 and outscoring Eastern 28-20 in the paint.

Freshman Taylor Price led Eastern (1-0) with 24 points, including 13-15 from the free throw line.  Senior Gina DiDomenico added 20 points.

The Cavaliers will hit the road on Wednesday, as they visit Widener University (1-1).  Tip is slated for 6 p.m. in Chester, Pa.