HAYS, Kan. – The Regis University women's basketball ran into a bump on the road against the Pittsburg State Gorillas falling 76-57 in their first game of the Tigers Classic hosted by Fort Hays State University.

Both teams battled back-and-forth throughout the first quarter as the Gorillas were able to pull away slightly 17-12. About halfway through the second quarter, the Rangers found themselves at an eight-point deficit but kept fighting.

Bay'lee Purdy knocked down a pair of free throws to bring RU within six, 28-22, but the Gorillas immediately responded with one from distance. Pitt State was able to extend the lead, 36-24, at the break.

The Rangers went on a 7-2 run kicked off by a Purdy three to cut the deficit, 42-35, halfway through the third but each time Regis made a run, the Gorillas had a response. A five-minute scoring drought at the start of the fourth quarter for RU made it nearly impossible to stay close as Pitt State was able to keep pushing the lead further out of reach.

Caresse Williams led Regis with 12 points shooting 6-of-12 from the field. Williams also led the team with eight rebounds adding two assists and four steals. Majestie Robinson chipped in with ten going a perfect 4-of-4 from the line.

Ultimately, the Gorillas were hot from the field and from beyond the arc shooting 50 percent and 40, respectively. Each team chased down 12 offensive boards but Pitt State outrebounded RU 34-29.

The Rangers turn-around to play the host school Fort Hays State Saturday, November 21 at 4 p.m.