CHENEY, Wash. – Despite a strong start, the Eastern Oregon University women's basketball team fell in an exhibition contest against NCAA Division I Eastern Washington University, 81-61, on Sunday afternoon at Reese Court.

The Mountaineers got off to a fast start, building an 18-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Eastern Oregon shot 43.8% from the field and was a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc in the opening 10 minutes.

However, the Eagles responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring EOU 26-11 to take a 37-29 lead into halftime. The Mountaineers struggled from the field in that period, shooting just 28.6%, while Eastern Washington found their rhythm, hitting 47.6% of their shots.

The Mountaineers battled in the third quarter, keeping pace with the Eagles, who narrowly outscored EOU 24-23. 

Eastern Washington pulled away in the fourth quarter, limiting the Mountaineers to just nine points while adding 20 of their own.

Kelsie Siegner was instrumental for the Mountaineers, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. Maggie Smith also scored in double figures with 14 points and led the team with six assists, while Haylee Johnson added eight points on 4-of-8 shooting.

The Eagles were led by Peyton Howard's 14 points on 46.2% shooting. Jaecy Eggers recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, seven of which were offensive.

Eastern Oregon shot 40.7% from the floor, including an impressive 56.3% from three-point range. However, they struggled on the boards, as Eastern Washington held a significant 54-33 rebounding advantage, leading to 14 second-chance points for the Eagles.

The Mountaineers will be back in action on November 2nd, when they host Whitman University at Quinn Coliseum for another exhibition.