GUNNISON, Colo. – Adams State Women's Basketball had a tough outing on the road Friday night after a slow start doomed the team in a 65-49 road loss at rival Western Colorado. The loss put the Grizzlies record at 2-22 overall and 2-18 in the RMAC.

The Grizzlies were not able to overcome a slow start at just four first quarter points set them back against the Mountaineers (16-8, 12-8 RMAC). The Mountaineers held the Grizzlies to 25.9% shooting (14-54), while shooting 53.7% (22-41).

The Mountaineers jumped out to 5-0 lead early in the opening quarter before a Madison Merschel jump shot ended the run. It did not last long as the home team scored 13 unanswered points to grab a 13-2 lead before the Grizzlies scored again.

Trailing 18-4 to start the second, Adams State cut its deficit to 11 points after Stephanie Ruiz was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws. Despite the chance to get within single digits, Western Colorado responded with a 7-2 run to lead 25-9.

The Grizzlies did manage to score 11 points in the second quarter, but the Mountaineers nearly doubled their output with 20 of their own to take a 38-15 lead into the halftime break.

Adams State put together its highest scoring quarter in the third with 20 and outscored Western Colorado by four. Although the surge help the Grizzlies find some offensive production, the Mountaineers fast start on offense complimented by their defense help them maintain a double figure lead.

Both team scored in double digits in the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies put up 10, while the Mountaineers added five more for 15. Despite their best efforts, the Grizzlies shooting struggles were too much to overcome as the Mountaineers secured the season sweep with the 24-point home win.

Stephanie Ruiz was the top scorer for the Grizzlies with 14 points on 4-12 shooting. She was 3-3 at the free throw line and 3-5 from beyond the arc. Ki'asha Harris chipped in nine points and led the team in rebounds with five.

Jadyn Kanzler led the Mountaineers offense with 18 points on 80% shooting (8-10). Jessie Erickson also finished in double figures with 14 points and was one rebound shy of double-double nine boards. Chandler Willis led all players in rebounds with 13 and chipped in six points.

The Grizzlies will wrap up their weekend Saturday, Feb. 23 against Colorado Mesa. Tip-off against the Mavericks is set for 5:30 p.m.