Stay healthy!

This was the message relayed by UMSL women's basketball head coach Katie Vaughn to her Tritons prior to taking the court at Illinois State University Wednesday evening.

The Tritons fell to the host Redbirds, 64-53.

But for Vaughn and company, there are positives to take away from the contest.

For one, freshman Mallory Ronshausen led the charge with her 15-point performance.

"Mallory, as a freshman, stepped up big time for us," Vaughn said. "She had a great offensive night for her college debut. But I was more impressed with her efforts on the defensive end."

Secondly, the defense was able to smother the Redbirds at various junctures, as it forced 14 turnovers and came away with five steals.

The Tritons blocked three shots and snared down 35 rebounds -- 12 of which came on the offensive end.

Vaughn said pacing was key, as was ball protection and maximizing possessions.

"We played extremely hard, something we stress in practice daily. Only having 12 turnovers is something we have been practicing; play with pace but [remain] poised at the same time," Vaughn said.

The Tritons completed their film study Thursday afternoon, and now they move on to face Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Nov. 6 on the road.

Other stats from Illinois State include:

Alex LaPorta (12); Kiara Stewart (7); Faye Meissner (5); Adriana Plavsic (4); Shania Liburd (4); Danielle Berry (3); Jalysa Stokes (2); McKenzie Lathrom (1).

"Overall, it was exactly what we needed," Vaughn said. "We got some first-game jitters out. Now we can settle in and polish up on what we want to do well."

The season opener is on the road in Allendale, Mi., Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (CST).