BARBOURVILLE, KY. - CIU women's basketball hit the road for their first New Year contest to take on Union Commonwealth (Ky.). The Rams continued to improve each quarter but could not overcome the first-period deficit to fall 80-39. 

Game Recap: The Rams fell behind early but got on the board with a jump shot from Jessica North (5:06). Union extended their lead as Mariah Leinbach and Tonaja Lester added four combined points for CIU. The Rams faced offensive challenges, trailing by as much as 31 in the second quarter before Irene Were added four points.

After halftime, Madison Hatcher helped spark a ten-point third quarter, contributing five of her own. She added another five in the fourth, with Jercel Geathers-Washington chipping in four off the bench. Despite improving offensively in the final two quarters, the Rams could not recover and fell 80-39 to the Bulldogs.

Hatcher paced CIU with 10 points, while Were led the defensive effort with 11 rebounds.

Up Next: The Rams host St. Andrews University (N.C.) on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m.