ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (2-3, 0-1 SAC) lost its South Atlantic Conference opener, 63-62, in heartbreaking fashion to the Catawba Indians (2-2, 1-0 SAC) on Wednesday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.

After a low scoring first half, 25-18, shots started to fall for both teams during the second half of action. The Trojans and the Catawba Indians tied the third frame with Catawba claiming the final quarter, 27-19 and ultimately the game, 63-62.

Catawba erased an 11-point lead with 1:46 to play while taking the lead 41 seconds later, 58-56. Anderson responded with a made jumper by junior Ashlyn Sheridan to even the score at 58 apiece. Catawba's Sydney Gueterman drained a three-point basket on the next possession. Junior Alana Eakle answered back with a three-point basket to tie the game at 61 with 13 ticks left on the clock.

Coming out of a time-out, the Catawba's Bailee Goodlet finished off her driving lay-up with just eight seconds left to play. The Trojans had an opportunity to force overtime following a two-shot foul by Catawba. AU's first free-throw was good with the second just bouncing out of the cylinder for the heartbreaking loss on its home court, 63-62.

Freshman Izzy Proffitt recorded her first career double-double scoring a career high 19 points and chasing down a career-high 11 rebounds. Eakle dropped in a career-high 10 points while Sheridan chipped in nine points while grabbing nine rebounds. Freshman Rose Grave netted seven points and ripped down nine rebounds for the Black and Gold.

Catawba placed three players in double digit scoring with Gueterman scoring a team-high 15 points. Gueterman scored 13 of her points in the fourth quarter to help lift the Catawba Indians to victory.

Anderson returns to action when it travels to SAC opponent Mars Hill on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm,