GOLDEN, CO- The Cougars played their first game of 2024 on Saturday afternoon as they headed to nearby Colorado School of Mines. The Orediggers came into the matchup ranked #9 nationally and at the top of the RMAC. After a hot first quarter from CCU, Mines was able to find their rhythm and eventually edged Colorado Christian 80-73. 

The first quarter was strong from the jump as Dasiya Jones hit an early jumper followed by a Regan LoConte three to spur their team ahead 5-0. Maggie Phipps connected from beyond the arc midway through the quarter to stretch the lead to 10-2 as the defense stifled the Orediggers. Maggie Hutka then got going with a pair of jumpers as CCU took a 20-12 lead into the second quarter. 

Mines made adjustments between the quarters and was able to take control in the second. They managed to score the first 18 points of the quarter as they outscored the Cougars 30-13 ti swing the momentum in their favor heading into halftime leading 42-33. 

Hutka continued to be effective as she poured in more points to try and keep her team in the game in the third quarter, and a Nicole Bowlin jumper with four minutes to go in the third cut the lead to seven at 52-45. Hutka converted a three-point play to close the quarter as CCU made their way closer trailing by just six heading into the final quarter. 

CCU came out inspired in the fourth as Hutka immediately made a basket and drew a foul for another three-point play. A made jumper from Bowlin a minute into the quarter saw the deficit cut down to just one at 62-61. From there, Mines was able to go on a run and take an eventual 10 point lead with three minutes to go. A Phipps three cut that back to five, but in the end the comeback was not to be as an extremely valiant effort fell just short 80-73. 

Maggie Hutka was incredible throughout, notching a double-double on 31 points and 10 rebounds. Phipps followed with 12 points while Jones had a stellar afternoon with 7 points and 8 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Cougars showed that they are a team to be reckoned with and one that can compete with anyone in the nation. 

The Cougars will return home on January 12 as they take on Westminster University at the Event Center at 5 p.m. MST.