Laurel Kearsley drives to the basket in Friday’s loss to the Yellow Jackets. Photo courtesy of Tyler Shomaker

The women’s Colorado State University- Pueblo Thunderwolves (16-7, 13-6 RMAC) were defeated by the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets (9-14, 8-11 RMAC), 50-46, at the Massari Arena, on Feb. 22.

The Thunderwolves started slow in the first half, only putting 19 points on the scoreboard. At the end of the first half, the Thunderwolves were behind by eight points.

BHSU had three players score in the double digits, while the Thunderwolves did not have any player score more than eight points.

Laurel Kearsley did not make a shot in the second half for the Thunderwolves, but was able to grab 14 rebounds. BHSU was able to extend its lead to 12 points, with 13 minutes remaining in the game.

Kearsley led the Thunderwolves in the first half, going 3-for-4, scoring eight points. Caiti Forrester helped out by adding five points, on 2-for-4 shooting. Kearsley and Forrester combined for 13 of the 19 first half points.

Paige Ramm as she fights for a basket. Photo courtesy of Tyler Shomaker

With BHSU coming into the game with a losing record, the game was supposed to be an easy and much-needed win. After the first half failure, the team came out in the second half and got dominated until the last two minutes.

The Thunderwolves had a chance to tie the game, down 49-46 with seconds remaining, following a turnover by Dakota Barrie of BHSU, but Erica Hicks was not able to make a 3-point jump shot.

With the loss, there is a possibility that the Thunderwolves may not get to host a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference playoff game at the Massari Arena. The women’s basketball team is ranked No. 4 in the standings, but if Fort Lewis College can get a win this weekend, the team will pull ahead of CSU-Pueblo.

CSU-Pueblo will be playing again on Saturday, Feb. 23, against the Chadron State College Eagles, at the Massari Arena. The game will start at 5:30 p.m.