There’s a reason why Trinity University is the No. 1-ranked team in NCAA Division III; they play great defense, pass exceptionally well and make the big plays.

On Wednesday night, Schreiner University’s women’s team pushed the visiting Tigers but could never overcome Trinity’s tenacity. Schreiner’s Demauria Miles scored a game-high 21 points, including hitting three 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough.

However, unbeaten Trinity’s defense forced the Mountaineers into 29 turnovers, and the Tigers capitalized by outscoring Schreiner 25-18 on those opportunities. Trinity set the tone early with a 2-2-1 press that included a double team on Schreiner guard Elisa Peralta, who was limited to no points and turned it over six times before fouling out in the second half. However, by keying on precocious Peralta, Trinity got a healthy dose of emerging guard Tianna Murray, who came off the bench to score nine critical points.

At times it looked like Trinity would run away with the game, but the Mountaineers doggedly drug themselves back into by creating their own mayhem — namely, 21 turnovers. Josline Hernandez added 14 points, including four 3-pointers.

The loss snapped Schreiner’s six-game winning streak, while Trinity improved to 11-0 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and 20-0 overall. Schreiner hits the road for a Friday matchup at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.