Salina, Kansas – The Columbia College women's basketball team played their season opener against Kansas Wesleyan University.

The Coyotes (1-0) defeated the Cougars (0-1), 68-62.

The Cougars jumped out to a 17-12 lead late in the first period (17-12), but KWU finished the quarter with four straight to end the quarter.

In the second stanza, the Coyotes came out strong and led by a first-half high seven points (32-25) with 1:08 left in the first half. The two teams traded buckets to end the half, and KWU took a slight 34-28 lead to the locker room.

KWU was able to push their lead to double figures (43-32) with just under six minutes left in the third. The Cougars continued to grind and cut the deficit to five points (50-45), heading to the final period.

The Cougars kept the game close in the fourth quarter and got to within three points (56-53) after a pair of free throws from Allison Stiers. The teams would trade baskets, but a Mackenzie Dubbert three-point field goal with 14-seconds left got CC within two points (64-62), but KWU went 4-4 at the foul line in the final 13-seconds to seal the game.

Key Moment:
Mackenzie Dubbert knocked down a triple with 14-seconds remaining, but the Coyotes went 4-4 at the foul line down the stretch to ice the win.

By the Numbers:
34-28 – Kansas Wesleyan held an advantage in points in the paint.
3 – Three Cougars scored at least 10 points.
22 – CC forced 22 turnovers

Columbia College Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Mallory Shetley (14)
Rebounding Leader – Bria Jones (8)
Assist Leader – Peyton Crowe (3)
Steals Leader – Mackenzie Dubbert / Mallory Shetley (3)

Kansas Wesleyan Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Kelcey Hinz (18)
Rebounding Leader – Kelcey Hinz (12)
Assist Leader – LaMyah Ricks (2)
Steals Leader – Amanda Hill (3)

Up Next:
The Cougars travel to Lindsborg, Kan. on Saturday, Oct. 30, to take on Bethany (Kan.). Tipoff is set for 11:00 AM.