GUNNISON, Colo. - The Regis University women's basketball team's (7-5,3-2 RMAC) three-game win streak was cut short by the Western Colorado Mountaineers (5-6,3-3 RMAC), Saturday evening at the Paul Wright Gymnasium. The Rangers were coming off a big win the night prior against the Fort Lewis Skyhawks where they won 68-58. Tonight though, the Mountaineers had the upper hand and won it, 77-70.  

How it Happened: Regis found themselves down by as much as nine points in the first half due to WCU shooting north of 60 percent from the field, but they never let the deficit reach double-digits. RU cut the WCU lead to just one score multiple times in the second frame, perhaps most notably when sophomore Madison Diercks got a layup in the paint with just 2:30 to play in the first 20 minutes. However, the Mountaineers responded well and owned a 42-36 lead as the teams headed to the locker room.

Regis opened the second half with their best shooting percentages of the night (47% from the field and 33% from the three). RU again came within one score in the third period when Diercks drained a triple from deep, making the score 57-55 with a minute to go. But, WCU began to pull away as the final period began. The Mountaineers inflated their lead to as much as 12 points in the fourth period after a 10-0 run, making the score 67-55. The Rangers couldn't overcome the stout WCU defense and eventually fell, 77-70.

Game Notes: The two teams were even on the glass with 36 boards apiece. Through the game, RU shot 40 percent from the field and 21 percent from behind the arc. 

Senior Erin Stroberg (5-7 FG) led the team with 17 points (a career-high) and eight rebounds. 

Junior Josey Ryan (6-16 FG, 3-9 3-PT) had 15 points and assisted her teammates three times. 

Junior Sam Deem (2-4 FG) added 10 points and five boards. 

Freshman Athena Saragoza (4-10 FG, 0-1 3-PT) and Diercks (3-7 FG, 1-3 3-PT) combined for 16 points and five rebounds. 

Up Next for the Rangers: The Rangers will have a well deserved break before action resumes on Dec. 31 versus the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets (5-6,3-2 RMAC) at home. Tip is set for 2 p.m.