The SIU women’s basketball team lost Friday night in the first round of the Preseason Women’s National Invitational Tournament, 105-61 at No. 22 DePaul.

Blue Demon senior guard/forward Megan Podkowa led all players with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Junior point guard Rishonda Napier led SIU with 15 points.

DePaul senior guard Chanise Jenkins added a game-high seven assists to her 16 points. Sophomore forward Mart’e Grays and junior guard Jessica January added 16 and 15 points, respectively, for the Blue Demons.

Senior point guard Cartaesha Macklin led SIU with seven assists to go along with 11 points.

Saluki junior forward Kim Nebo led her team with a career-high eight rebounds.

The Salukis will take on Siena on Friday in the first round of the consolation bracket. DePaul advances to face St. Bonaventure in the second round.

Nebo earned her first career start in place of suspended senior center Dyana Pierre. 

Junior forward Azia Washington came off the bench after starting every game last year. Washington is recovering from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery.

Thomas Donley can be reached at [email protected] or at 618-536-3307