By Jim Fryar

jfryar@joplinglobe.com

When Missouri Southern’s offense went missing in action Saturday afternoon, it was the bench to the rescue.

Reserves carried the undefeated Southern women to their sixth victory, 60-42 over St. Edward’s (Texas) University at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.

Non-starters scored 36 of the Southern points.

“Our bench players were awesome,” said Maryann Mitts, Southern coach. “Nichole (Helfrich) set the tone in the first half. She hit the big shots that got us off and running. Ela (Zawadka) and Ivaney (Marquez) both played great. And Randi Henderson really stepped up and gave us some emotional leadership.

“Our reserves were phenomenal. They won the game for us.”

It was the second meeting between Southern and St. Edward’s in 15 days. And Mitts’ greatest fear, after a 21-point decision at Austin, Texas, was quickly realized.

“We walked in thinking it was going to be easy,” she said. “We saw it on the first five possessions. We had absolutely no fight is us whatsoever to start the game.

“We missed a couple of bunnies on the first two possessions and that kind of set the tone. If we make those, we’re off and running.”

The Lions missed their first eight shots from the field. They also committed four early turnovers and went scoreless for seven minutes.

But the defense made certain St. Edward’s couldn’t take full advantage of Southern’s offensive woes.

The Hilltoppers (2-5) hit three of their first six shots, but managed just six more field goals in the game. They shot just 20.9 percent (9-of-43) and were forced into 27 turnovers.

“That’s unbelievable,” Mitts said of the defensive numbers.

“We’re just undisciplined (on defense). We’re leaving our feet, we’re not getting over and helping and then getting back to our man. On any dribble penetration, we’re fouling or getting a steal, one or the other. We gave them 20 points (free throws) they shouldn’t have had.”