Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball dropped a 55-42 defensive slugfest Sunday at Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia.

"Tough game for us that got away from us at the end," head coach Karl Smesko said. "Old Dominion played great defense and got some tough shots down the stretch. We shot the ball exceptionally bad. We have a lot of work to do."

FGCU (6-3) scored the first three baskets of the game to open with a 6-0 run. The undefeated Monarchs (7-0) would soon take advantage of the Eagles becoming uncharacteristically cold from a distance. Old Dominion countered with a 21-4 run after facing the 6-0 deficit.

The Eagles made only one of its 24 attempts from deep, missing its first 11 3-pointers. Entering the day, ODU led the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 45.7 points per game. ODU also lived up to its top 10 3-point defense.

Despite not getting anything to fall, FGCU only trailed by eight, 28-20, heading into the half.

FGCU manufactured its best offensive output in the third quarter, besting the Monarchs 19-8 in the period to take a 39-36 lead heading into the fourth. However, ODU held FGCU to a single basket, and just one made free throw in the final quarter.

Both Sofia Persson and Ajulu Thatha eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in their collegiate careers Sunday. Persson scored eight points against the Monarchs, while Thatha added 11. Uju Ezeudu paced all Eagles on the day with 16 points.

FGCU will turn the page to host Gardner-Webb next Thursday, Dec. 7. Tip-off from Alico Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.