COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Black Hills State University women's basketball team dropped its first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match against the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 77-53.

The Yellow Jackets came out quick getting the first two points on the board with a layup by Cheyanne Balster assisted by Rachel Erickson against the Mountain Lions. UCCS came back and responded with two free throws and kept that momentum by going on a 7-0 run to lead BHSU 9-2.

The Mountain Lions kept the lead into the second quarter leading by nine at 20-11 with 6:59 remaining in the half. The Yellow Jackets then went on a five-point run to close the lead. Cortez Standing Bear scored her first set of collegiate points with a layup followed by a three-pointer from Erickson to come within four points but it was not enough as BHSU trailed by eight at halftime.

Beginning the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets came out hot. At 9:00, Kassidy Scott grabbed a steal and passed it up to Taylor Trohkimoinen for two points for the Yellow Jackets to bring the score to 30-24. About 45 seconds later, the Mountain Lions drew a foul to put Balster at the line to shoot two. Balster made one and missed the second which brought the Green and Gold to 25-30 but it was not enough as the Mountain Lions increased the lead to capture the win.

Black Hills State went 40 percent (22-of-55) from the field and 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from the free throw line.

Erickson and Balster led the way for the offense with 12 and 11 points, respectively followed by Sierra Toms with nine points. Standing Bear, Dylan Wright and Gabby Doxtator all scored their first set of collegiate points for the Yellow Jackets. Standing Bear and Seamans each tallied two assists.

On defense, Toms grabbed six rebounds while Seamans grabbed a season-high five rebounds. Four players registered two steals apiece.

Black Hills State falls to 0-5 overall and 0-1 in conference action while the Mountain Lions increase to 4-3 on the season and 1-0 in RMAC play.

The Green and Gold travel to Denver, Colorado to play RMAC opponent MSU Denver on Saturday with tip off scheduled for 5 p.m.