WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The second-half surge for the Angelo State women's basketball program wasn't enough Wednesday night, as the Rambelles dropped their Lone Star Conference opener 65-58 to Midwestern State at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

The loss moves ASU to 1-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Angelo State fell behind early, trailing by as many as 14 before trimming the deficit to five at halftime. The Rambelles clawed all the way back in the third quarter, tying the game on consecutive 3-pointers from Majik Esquivel before a driving layup by Kenna Wood briefly gave ASU the lead. But the Belles missed seven of their final 10 shots, allowing the Mustangs to regain control down the stretch.

ASU shot 35.5% from the field and just 16.7% from beyond the arc, but outscored MSU 34-22 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 47-36. Defensively, the Rambelles held the Mustangs to 31.7% shooting.

Keniah Williams and Esquivel led the Belles with 17 points apiece. Williams added nine rebounds and two blocks, while Esquivel finished with four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Taylor Grona contributed 11 points, five rebounds, three steals and an assist. Kenna Wood, Landry Morrow and Tristin Keller combined for 13 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.

The Rambelles return to action Saturday, Dec. 6, when they travel to Lubbock Christian for a 1 p.m. tipoff.