HOUSTON – The Concordia Texas women's basketball team kicked off their season with an exhibition game at Rice Friday evening, but the Tornados dropped the contest to the Owls 101-46 at Tudor Fieldhouse.

Jaela Dejean led the Tornados with 13 points while Mercedes Ellison contributed 12 points and four rebounds. Emily Cullers also posted double-digits for the Tornados with 11 points.

Rice opened the game outscoring the Tornados 22-14 in the first quarter and maintained momentum throughout the contest. Concordia trailed the Owls by 18 at halftime 40-22 before Rice pulled away in the second half outscoring the Tornados 61-24.

Shani Rainey led the Owls with 20 points in the contest and Maya Hawkins posted 8 assists.

The Tornados tip off the regular season Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. against Schreiner at the Concordia Fieldhouse.