SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The IU Kokomo women's basketball team kicked off their season on Saturday with a road game against the *RV) IU South Bend Titans. The Cougars fell by a final score of 80-40.

IUK struck first on a layup from Shamaria Walker, before the Titans scored 10 unanswered to go ahead 10-2. Anna Kiser, Hannah Hodgen, and Alaya Chapman added two points each for the Cougars throughout the rest of the quarter, but IU SB led 27-8 at the end of the period.

IU South Bend started the second quarter with a 9-1 run to go up 36-9 by the midpoint of the quarter. Olivia Dowden and Alaya Chapman each drained a two-point jumper before halftime, when the Cougars trailed 44-13.

The Cougars' struggles continued in the second half as the Titans would outscore them 21-10 in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was IUK's best, scoring 17 and holding South Bend to 15, but it proved to be too little too late as the Titans would hold on for a 80-40 victory.

Olivia Dowden led IU Kokomo with seven points in the loss. Hannah Hodgen and Anna Kiser also had six points each.

The Cougars will play another road game Wednesday at Kuyper College in Michigan, before their home opener on Sunday, November 5th against Cleary University.

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.