RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team let one slip away Friday night as the Lady Hardrockers fell to the University of Sioux Falls, 64-49, during the season and home opener, at the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.  

 The Cougars led, 13-12, after one quarter and pushed the lead to 28-21 at halftime. With a 13-10 advantage in the third quarter, USF had a 41-31 lead. Then in the fourth quarter, USF used a 23-18 margin to take home the victory.

USF had a nagging defense that gave the home team fits at times. They were also able to convert turnovers into points in the second half to distance themselves. The Hardrockers looked to mount a late comeback, but couldn't get over the the hump down the stretch.

 South Dakota Mines was led in scoring by Anna Haugen with 12 points and she had five rebounds. They hit 15-of-48 shots from the floor for 31.3 percent and were 5-of-20 from three-point range for 25 percent. The Hardrockers made 14-of-17 from the foul line for 82.4 percent.

Sami Steffeck tacked on nine points for SD Mines and Taylor Molstad contributed with eight points.