KOKOMO, Ind. – The Indiana University Kokomo women's basketball team fell to Grace College Wednesday evening 69-58. The Cougars are now 0-2 to begin the season.

A Vanessa Mullins layup got the Cougars on the board a minute and a half into the game, knotting the score at two. Trailing 5-4, the Cougars went on a 9-0 run to take a 13-5 lead. IU Kokomo forced seven Grace turnovers in the first quarter, with 11 of the Cougars 17 first quarter points coming off turnovers. The Cougars led by as many as eight in the period and led 17-15 at the end of the first quarter.

With the game tied at 24 in the second quarter, an Aniya Washington three-pointer and Gabrielle Joyner jumper on consecutive possessions gave the Cougars a 29-24 lead. However, Grace College ended the first half on a 9-0 run, fueled by two longballs. The Lancers were 5-8 from behind-the-arc in the second quarter, leading them to a 33-29 lead over the Cougars into halftime.

Grace College came out of halftime strong, extending their lead to nine less than three minutes into the half. Gabrielle Joyner knocked down a triple for the Cougars to cut the Lancer lead to six, but the Lancers lead failed to fall below seven for the remainder of the third quarter.

The Lancers opened the fourth quarter with a 9-4 spurt, taking their largest lead of the night at 60-45 on a Kensie Ryman three-pointer, forcing the Cougars to take a timeout with 5:28 remaining in the game. IU Kokomo was not done yet as they went on an 8-0 run, fueled by four Tia Chambers points, to cut the Grace lead to seven. The Lancers were able to build their lead back up to 11, knocking off the Cougars 69-58.

IU Kokomo senior Tia Chambers came into tonight's game needing seven points to reach 1,000 for her collegiate career. Chambers eclipsed the 1,000-point mark at the free throw line, knocking down the first of two foul shots with 3:54 remaining in the game.

IU Kokomo was led by Sierra Peete with 11 points, five assists, and four steals. Gabrielle Joyner and Tia Chambers each added eight points. Vanessa Mullins led the Cougars in rebounds, bringing down nine.

The Cougars will be back in action Tuesday, November 9, as they host Bethel College inside the Student Activities and Events Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 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.