DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's basketball team trailed #7-ranked Simpson College Storm by just six points after the first period, 20-26. The Spartans could have easily been the leader in the opening 10 minutes of action had they made a handful of baskets inside the paint. The Storm responded by out scoring UD 41-10 in the second period to lead at halftime 67-30. Simpson scored 21 points in the third and the Spartans held them to just nine points in the fourth period as the Storm captured the victory 97-59.

Fifteen Spartans saw action and 11 finished in the scoring column. Karsen Kershner and Allison Bailey would both finish with 10 points in the loss. Seven Spartans would end with three rebounds. Miah Smith led with five assists and Mackenzie Knapp finished with three steals.

UD made 23-64 attempts from the field (35.9%), 3-18 from the three point area, and 10-12 at the free throw line. The top-ranked storm showed their capabilities in the second when they were 15-16 from the field (93.8%), a perfect 5-5 from the three point line and 6-6 at the free throw line. Simpson forced the Spartans into committing 21 turnovers and turned them into 32 points.

The Spartans will hit the road for the next three contests beginning with Wednesday, Jan. 19 when they battle the Luther College Norse at 5:30 p.m. UD will travel to Central College on Jan. 22 for a 2:00 p.m. tip-off and then to Wartburg College on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m.