Jackson, Tenn. -- The Lady Hawks suffered their first loss of the season Thursday night, falling to No. 11 Union 53-44, on the road to start Gulf South Conference play.

Shorter moves to 3-1 on the year, and 0-1 in the GSC with the loss; while the Bulldogs stay perfect at 7-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

For two teams who came into the game averaging over 80 points per contest, it was the defense that dominated play as the Lady Hawks were held to just 29 percent shooting, and Union made 34 percent of their shots. The Bulldogs, who lead the league in the three-point baskets, as well as holding the GSC's single game record for three-pointers made, were held to 21 percent (3-14) from beyond the arc by the Lady Hawks.

Union held a slim one point lead after the first quarter, 11-10, but Shorter came back in the second frame using an 8-3 run to take the lead on back to back three-pointers from Madison Rice and Tamarr Williams with 6:42 to play in the half. The Lady Hawks added to their advantage during the remaining minutes, leading by as many as six with less than a minute to go, and took a 27-23 lead into the intermission.

The Bulldogs opened the second half on a 6-2 run to tie the game at 29 on a layup from Tiara Caldwell with 7:47 to go. Shorter regained the lead on a free throw from Jackie Hudson with 4:46 remaining, but Union answered with a three-pointer to make it a 32-30 game with 3:33 to play and kept the lead through the remainder of the period.

In the final ten minutes, Union added to its lead, but the Lady Hawks began chipping away and regained the advantage on a jumper from Shakierya McClendon at the 6:24 mark. Only to have Fredi Neilson answer a minute later to push the lead back to the Bulldogs, 42-41, with 5:21 to go. And, from there Union never trailed, earning the win 53-44.

The Lady Hawks were led by Williams; who tallied a team high nine points in the game. Brittany Greene added eight points for Shorter, while McClendon and Taylor Adams chipped in with six each. Adams also added 12 rebounds and four blocks on the night.

Union was paced by Jada Smith's 20 points, while Kelsey Risner posted 20 rebounds.

Shorter will be back in action Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm (eastern) from Christian Brothers.