JOLIET, Ill. — In the first weekend of the season the Peregrines struggled against a hot-shooting University of St. Francis team that hit 54 percent from the 3-point stripe in a lop-sided win for the Lady Saints. In the rematch, the Peregrines defense limited USF to 28 percent from deep, but still came up short on the scoreboard in a 80-65 nonconference loss on the road.

The Peregrines (3-8) trailed by 20 points with 5:46 left in the half before going on a 10-0 run that started when point guard Meme Harris (Merrillville) hit a pair of free throws. The freshman hit the next two field goals for the Peregrines and senior co-captain Linsey Smith (Lake Central) added two from the field and freshman guard Jenny Britton (Lake Central) knocked in two free throws bringing the Peregrines within 10 seconds before the half ended.

But in the second half, the Lady Saints (6-4) crept away led by sophomore Jacqie Storm’s (Carl Sanburg) game-high 20 points and 26 points from the bench.

The Peregrines closed the gap to 68-56 after Harris nailed a jumper with 5:20 to play. But a 12-2 run by the Lady Saints closed the door for a Peregrine comeback.

Harris led the Peregrines with 16 points, six assists and a pair of steals in the loss. Smith scored 15 points and added nine rebounds and three steals. Senior co-captain Shannon Dugan (Mother McAuley) had her best performance of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, five offensive and five defensive.

The Peregrines took advantage of forcing 20 turnovers on defense resulting in 25 points. But in the paint USF had a 28-16 edge, and the Lady Saints also had a 26-10 advantage from the bench.

PUC hosts Cornerstone University, Mich. (8-2) at 6 p.m. Friday in the Fitness & Recreation Center. Promotional events include massages, haircuts and manicures for fans.