Newark, DE --- Delaware State missed nine of its first 10 second half shots en route to a 54-47 loss to Delaware in the opening round of the preseason Women's National Invitation Tournament at the Bob Carpenter Center Friday evening. The Lady Hornets (0-1) led 26-22 at intermission, but hit just seven-of-30 second half shots (23.3%), including all seven from three-point territory. Delaware, meanwhile, was eight-for-17 from the field (47.1%) and 15-of-18 from the free throw line in the second half. The Lady Hornets were outscored 32-21 in the final 20 minutes. “Delaware plays tough defense, but we just couldn't hit any shots,” said Delaware State head coach Ed Davis. “We also hurt ourselves with too many unforced turnovers.” The Lady Hornets committed 24 turnovers, including 13 in the second half.  A jumper by Jamie Mundy gave Delaware a 16-9 lead with 8:49 left in the first half. Delaware State answered with a 9-2 run, and tied the score at 18 on a three-pointer by Ashlee Burbage with 4:02 left in the half. Katreem Palmer nailed a three-pointer with two seconds left in the half to give the Lady Hornets a four-point lead at the break. Palmer was high scorer for the Lady Hornets with 18 points, and topped all players with 13 rebounds. Raquel Collier, Delaware State's leading scorer the last two seasons, was held to eight points on two-of-16 shooting from the field. Delaware's Kyle DeHaven was the game's high scorer with 24 points. Her performance included 11-of-12 shooting from the free line, and game highs of six assists and six steals. Delaware State won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the Hens 44-34.