PUEBLO, Colo. – Despite a 16 point fourth quarter, Western State Colorado University women's basketball was unable to defeat Tarleton State University on Friday. The Mountaineers fell 37-52 in the first game of the Al Kaly Shrine Classic in Pueblo, Colorado.
 
Western (0-1, 0-0 RMAC) played TSU (1-2, 0-0 LSC) within a point in the first quarter, 9-10. However, the TexAnns created some space heading into halftime outscoring the Mountaineers 15-6 in the second quarter. TSU had a 25-15 lead at the break.
 
After TSU extended the lead to 20 points in the third quarter, Western mounted a comeback. Although the Mountaineers were able to chip away at the lead, time ran out on the comeback and Western fell to the TexAnns 37-52 in the team's season opener.
 
Three Mountaineers scored six points in the game – Harlie Williams, Brianna Wilber, and Katie Najvar. Williams also contributed six rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
 
TSU's Bailey Wipff led all players with 16 points.
 
Western's defense forced 18 turnovers as seven players recorded at least one steal.
 
The Mountaineers will be back on the court Saturday at 1 p.m. as they play their final game at the Al Kaly Shrine Classic against the University of Alaska – Fairbanks.