RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team played one of its most competitive games of the season Saturday afternoon, but the Western Colorado University Mountaineers surged down the stretch to win the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup, 80-74, at the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Hardrockers played very well to open the game and held a four-point edge after the first quarter, 26-22, and after more of the same in the second quarter, the two squads were all square at the half, 35-35.

The visitors took a slight advantage after the third period, 54-51, and then was able to distance themselves slightly over the last 10 minutes to earn a tough win.

The 'Rockers shot 60 percent in the first quarter and knocked down eight three-pointers. They were 56.25 percent from the field for the game, connecting on 24-56 attempts, including a 12-29 performance from behind the arch. They were 14-18 on free throws, collected 33 rebounds, notched 12 assists, had five steals and two blocked shots.

Western Colorado finished the game making good on 25-54, 8-16 on three-pointers, converted 22-24 from the free throw line, hauled in 30 rebounds, 11 assists, 11 steals and four blocked shots.

Anna Haugen led the way for the 'Rockers with 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Ryan Weiss contributed with 17 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. Sami Steffeck and Sydney Leeper both cashed in for 12 points each.