HAYS, Kan. -- The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team (7-1 overall, 2-1 MIAA) suffered its first loss of the season against the No. 18 ranked Fort Hays State Tigers, 62-48. 

Points were a struggle for both teams in the first quarter of the game as both teams shot exactly 38.5 percent from the field. Fort Hays knocked down a couple of free throws to take the 12-10 advantage after the opening quarter. 

Both teams found some momentum during the second quarter. Northwest was led by a trio of scorers in Caely Kesten, Peyton Kelderman, and Kelsey Fields each having six points. Peyton Kelderman ended the half on a last second three pointer to give the 'Cats the 28-25 lead heading into halftime. 

The Tiger offense came out of halftime on a 15-2 run that put Northwest in a tough spot. Northwest was outscored 24-10 in the third quarter and trailed 49-38 with one quarter to play. 

Northwest struggled in the second half which led to their first loss of the season. The Bearcats only managed to convert on two three-pointers on 19 attempts in the game. 

The 'Cats were out rebounded 35-30, but won the points in the paint battle. 

Caely Kesten and Kelsey Fields led the Bearcat offense with 10 points a piece. Fields pulled down six rebounds to go with her scoring total. 

Northwest will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Nebraska-Kearney. Tip off is set for 2 p.m.