Denver, Colorado – The Regis University Ranger women's basketball team fell 83-75 to cross-town rival the Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners in their lone-conference game this week.  This Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match-up proved to be a back and forth battle from start to finish.

Sophomore forward Kaycee Hert (Spokane, Washington) stepped up to the challenge of playing without the inside presence of sophomore forward Karlyn Johnson (Littleton, Colorado) due to illness.  Hert led all scorers with 23 points scoring big-time baskets at crucial points in the game.

The Rangers jumped up to a 9-4 run but neither team seemed to be able to break away.  The Roadrunners took their first lead of the game halfway through the first half, 16-15.  The back and forth battle would begin, neither team allowing the other to take control.  Each time Regis would extend the lead MSU Denver was quick to respond.  Junior guard Jessica Ramos (Thornton, Colorado) knocked down two free throws just before the break to give the Rangers a 39-38 lead at halftime.

It would be the Roadrunners that came out of halftime with a spark going on a 7-2 run to take the lead just minutes into the second half, 45-41.  Junior guard Caresse Williams (Citrus Heights, California) drained one from deep at the 14:11 mark to give RU their first lead of the half, 48-47.  The score would tie a total of 12 times and the lead changed 17. 

Regis held their last lead of the game at the 2:43 minute mark, 72-71.  Roadrunner free throws in the final two minutes sealed the victory dropping the Rangers to 14-8 overall and 10-8 in the RMAC.

Hert went 9-15 from the field, 5-7 from the line, and pulled down seven rebounds.  Williams added 19 points on 6-9 from the field, 2-4 from distance, and 5-6 from the line.  The Rangers forced 17 turnovers but only converted 13 points.  MSU Denver hit the offensive glass hard scoring 31 points off 23 boards to outrebounded RU 50-24. 

The Rangers are back on the road Saturday, February 20 headed to Adams State (3-19, 3-15 RMAC) for a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.