HAYS, Kan. — The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit but came up just short in a 75-74 loss to No. 16 ranked Fort Hays State University Monday (Jan. 6) at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Athena Alvarado led all scorers with 21 points in the game for the Gorillas (7-5, 3-1 MIAA) who dropped their first conference game of the season. Tristan Gegg (12), Maya Williams (11) and Kaylee DaMitz (10) also scored in double figures for Pitt State. The Gorillas shot 60.7 percent from the field in the game (34-56) but were victimized by 16 turnovers.

FHSU (11-2, 2-2 MIAA) got 15 points from Whitney Randall and 14 more from Cydney Bergmann. The Lady Tigers shot 48.2 percent from the field (27-56) and FHSU outscored Pitt State, 17-5, at the free throw line in the contest.

The Gorillas will return to action Thursday (Jan. 9) when they play host to Newman University at 5:30 p.m. (CST) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.