DEERFIELD, Ill. - Senior forward Bethany Mahmens of Goose Lake scored a season-high 18 points to lead the Ashford University women's basketball team in a road defeat at Trinity International University on Thursday, 77-67.

The Saints dropped their fourth straight and fell to 1-9 away from Kehl Arena. TIU, members of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, picked up its sixth win of the season.

Ashford controlled the momentum for the entire first period, leading by as many as 12, but saw their strong first-half stronghold disappear early in the second half.

"We were looking at Trinity International's schedule and saw they've been playing well as of late," AU Head Coach Chris Powers said. "They play some tough opponents and were just able to give ourselves a chance in this game."

Mahmens was efficient from the floor again, converting a high percentage of shots to boost her team-leading field goal percentage to .507. In addition to 6-of-9 shooting in the post, the 1,000-point club member cashed in on 6-of-8 shots from the foul line.

Mahmens previous season-high point total this year was 15 against Waldorf College, AU's opponent on Saturday in Forest City.

Senior forward Shel'si Weaver of Beloit, Wis., added 13 off the bench while senior Kim Fabry of Oconto Falls, Wis., and guard Whitney Miller of Clinton each poured in eight. Senior Kelly Fisher of Fremont, Calif., pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.

Junior Kayla Crist of Stanwood, coming off a season-high 23 points against Grand View University, scored seven.

The Saints rushed out with a 7-0 run, holding the Trojans off the scoreboard until the 17:45 mark in the first half. AU would lead by as many as 12 in the first period after a bucket by freshman Kaela Hunt of Indianapolis, Ind.

Mahmens would cap scoring for both teams in the first half as AU took a 35-30 edge heading into the locker room.

TIU took its first lead of the game after a jumper by Melanie Duplessis at the 17:16 mark in the second half. Ashford reclaimed the lead on its next possession thanks to Mahmens and would lead once more after a trey by Weaver.

But keyed by a three-point play from Duplessis, the Trojans went on a 9-2 run and AU was unable to get any closer than five points the rest of the way.

Duplessis led Trinity International with 20 points and was joined by three others in double digits.

The Saints travel to Waldorf College on Saturday for a 1 p.m. affair in Forest City.