(Peru, Neb.)- The Peru State Women's Basketball team fell to the Mount Mercy Mustangs, 81-97, on Saturday evening. The Bobcats are now 6-8 in the Heart of America Conference and 9-9 overall. 

The Bobcats came out strong in the first half, taking an early 7-2 lead. Both teams kept the game close throughout the first quarter, but the Mustangs were able to take a last-minute lead in the third quarter 22-17. The Bobcats had a slow second quarter as the Mustangs took a 57-31 lead going into half. Hailey Ingram led the team with 10 points and Samantha Stewart with 5 rebounds going into the second half.  

In the third quarter, the Bobcats tried to chip away at the Mustangs lead, getting the deficit down to 18 points. Hailey Ingram had nine points in the third quarter with Kylie Diaz also adding seven points for the Bobcats. In the final quarter, the Bobcats were able to get the Mustang's lead down to only 10 points. Hailey Ingram and Maddy Duncan each tallied six points in the final quarter, but the Mustangs were able to pull away. The Bobcats fell 81-97.  

Hailey Ingram had a big game against Mount Mery scoring 25 points, also having two assists and one rebound and steal. Samantha Stewart had 15 points, seven steals and seven rebounds. Maddy Duncan tallied 13 points and four rebounds for the Bobcats with Kaylan Larry having 10 points. Kylie Diaz had seven points and two blocks with Oliva Williams being close behind with six points and two rebounds.  

Next: The Bobcats will continue their trip to Iowa in Dubuque on Monday, January 22nd to take on the Clarke Pride. Tipoff is set for 4:00 PM.