SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team went up against one of the premier teams in the region and the reigning Northern Sun Conference champs squaring off against the University of Sioux Falls Friday night in Sioux Falls, where the Lady Cougars defeated the Lady Hardrockers, 70-54.

Sioux Falls jumped out to a 13-6 lead after the first quarter and then extended their advantage, 32-14, at half time. The Hardrockers regrouped in the second half, holding their own in the third quarter, 52-39, and then outscored the home team, 25-18 in the final frame.

SD Mines shot 33 percent from the field Friday, converting 19-57 shots, including four three-pointers. The Hardrockers made 12-17 from the free throw line, came down with 41 rebounds, had 11 assists, five steals and one block.

USF shot 41 percent from the field making good on 27-66 shots, including nine from behind the arch. The Cougars converted 7-10 from the foul line, had 38 rebounds, 20 assists, seven steals and six blocks.

Individually for SD Mines, freshman Cooper Courtney had a breakout game, leading her team with 13 points. Fellow freshman Anna Haugen also played well Friday, nearly earning a double-double. She led the team with 11 rebounds and marked up eight points. Freshman Molly McCabe also had eight points on the night to go along with her eight rebounds.

The loss drops SD Mines to 0-3 on the season and will be back in the hunt Saturday afternoon, taking on Southwest Minnesota State in a 3 p.m. (MST) bout.