COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball team hosted Voorhees University at the Moore Fitness Center on Tuesday night for their home opener. Despite strong performances in the first and fourth quarters, the Rams fell short, losing 60-52. CIU is now 0-2 before heading into Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play next week. 

Game Summary: The Rams opened the game on a 4-0 run before the Tigers scored, narrowing CIU's advantage. Each time the Rams attempted to build momentum, Voorhees countered, evening the score repeatedly. Midway through the first period, the Tigers grabbed the lead, but a three-pointer from Madison Hatcher returned control to CIU. A layup by Bethany Rymer and another three from Hatcher extended CIU's lead to 17-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw several lead changes as both teams battled, but with 2:30 left, Voorhees began to pull ahead, going up three 26-23. Despite a layup from Rymer, CIU trailed 31-25 at halftime.

In the third quarter, CIU struggled offensively, scoring just seven points. Although Hatcher's free throw brought the Rams within five, Voorhees maintained the lead, going into the final period with a 43-32 advantage. CIU made a push in the fourth, scoring 20 points, with Mariah Leinbach leading the charge with eight points. Despite their efforts, the Rams fell short, losing 60-52 to the Tigers.

Leinbach and Rymer each posted double-doubles, with Leinbach contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Rymer added 13 points and 10 boards. Hatcher scored ten points with three steals, and Katlynn Chinn added nine points, two steals, and three assists in the effort.