OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Indiana University Kokomo women's basketball team opened the River States Conference slate Tuesday evening with a 57-42 loss to the Brescia Bearcats. The Cougars fall to 1-4 on the season, and 0-1 in RSC play.

The Bearcats opened the scoring, taking a 2-0 lead, but the Cougars responded with four straight to take their first lead of the game at 4-2. IU Kokomo led 11-10 after a Vanessa Mullins layup, but Brescia ended the first quarter on a 6-0 run, taking a 16-11 lead into the second period.

Tia Chambers knocked down a jumper to get the Cougars within three at 16-13, but Brescia answered with a 6-0 spurt to extend their lead to nine. IUK responded with a Stephanie Burns bucket and Sierra Peete deep-ball on consecutive possessions to pull within four at 22-18. Brescia finished the final 3:14 of the second quarter on an 8-0 run, taking a 30-18 lead over IU Kokomo at halftime.

Sierra Peete and Jadah Anderson had six points apiece in the third quarter to pace a Cougar attack that was able to cut the Bearcat lead to as little as six at 32-26. Brescia outscored IU Kokomo 11-8 in a competitive final six minutes of the third period to take a 43-34 lead into the final quarter.

IU Kokomo was able to cut the Brescia lead to single-digits with a Jaela Meister layup a minute and a half into the fourth quarter, but the Bearcats controlled the final eight minutes to knock off IU Kokomo 57-42.

Senior guard Sierra Peete led the Cougars with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Tia Chambers contributed seven points and five boards.

The Cougars return home Friday afternoon, as they welcome Alice Lloyd College to the Student Activities and Events Center. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.