LAMONI, Iowa - Senior guard Kelly Fisher of Fremont, Calif., equaled her career-high with 23 points in the Ashford University (0-1, 0-0 MCC) women's basketball season-opening defeat at Graceland University (2-0), 81-75, on Tuesday.

Fisher had a 23-point outburst against the Calumet College of St. Joseph (11/8/08) last year, AU's best single-game scoring output of the season.

The transfer from Ohlone College came out strong to begin her senior campaign, converting nine attempts from the free-throw line and draining seven field goals in a reserve role. Fisher had missed Ashford's home preseason scrimmage against Cornell College due to personal reasons, but showed no signs of rust in her first appearance of the season.

Fisher was the only Saint to score in double digits, but senior forward Bethany Mahmens of Goose Lake poured in nine.

Junior guard Kayla Crist of Stanwood collected a team-high seven rebounds and added eight points along with senior Jessie Rosenow of Erie, Ill.

Turnovers and foul trouble plagued Ashford as the Saints committed 31 giveaways and had three players foul out.

Graceland made 26 of 27 (over 96 percent) of its free throws in the second half despite going just 6-for-28 from the floor in the latter period. AU shot over 50 percent from the floor in the second half (16-30).

The Saints outscored the Yellowjackets in the second half, 43-39, but went into the half with a 10-point deficit.

Graceland guard Alexis Wright led all players with 18 points, 12 coming from the charity stripe.

The Saints have a week off before traveling to Trinity Christian College on Tuesday, Nov. 10, for a 7 p.m. non-conference game against the Trolls.