CHADRON, Neb. – The Regis University women's basketball opened Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play this weekend at the Chadron State Eagles. The Rangers held control of the lead throughout the majority of the game but ultimately fell in the first RMAC test 66-64. 

An offensive-driven first quarter for both teams as RU began to slowly pull away from the hosts when Jessica Ramos drained one from distance, 16-8. Chadron would not let Regis out of their sights as the first ended with a 20-16 Ranger advantage. Control of the momentum and lead carried over into the second quarter as Regis headed into the locker room ahead 38-30 at halftime.

The Rangers continued to hold the Eagles at a slim distance throughout much of the third quarter but Chadron kept fighting to bring the deficit to just two, 46-44, at the 2:40 minute mark. Caresse Williams responded with a three pushing the lead back to 49-44 and a pair of free throw's from Majestie Robinson gave RU a 51-46 lead at the end of the third.

Momentum would begin to shift in the fourth quarter as the Eagles evened the score 51-51 on one from distance. Chadron would then take their first lead of the game since early on, 53-51, with just under seven minutes to play.

The RMAC battle persisted as each possession became hugely important. Bay'lee Purdy knocked one down from beyond the arc to tie the score 56-56 with 5:16 to play. A nearly four-minute scoring drought made the uphill battle that much difficult for Regis. Williams knocked down three free throws with 11 seconds remaining bringing the score 65-61.

With time expiring, RU saw three attempts coming up with two offensive rebounds to stay alive in the final seconds. Robinson gave the Rangers their last look draining a three with just a second left on the clock.

Morgan Ducklow scored season-high 11 points on 3-of-5 from the field, 1-2 from distance, and 4-of-4 from the line to lead Regis. Ducklow also added two assists and one steal. Williams, Kaylie Rader, and Shelby Espinosa each added ten points a piece.

The Rangers forced 25 turnovers and slightly outrebounded Chadron State 32-30 but the Eagles were hot from the field shooting 51 percent to RU's 34 percent.

Regis will return home to host South Dakota Mines on Friday, December 11 at 5 p.m.