JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Three members of the Lincoln women's basketball team scored in double figures against a Fort Hays State team that was receiving votes in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's Division II poll, but FHSU ended up winning, 85-68, in Jason Gym on Monday (Jan. 2).

Kelsey Mitchell connected on four shots from downtown to score 12 points, and Aliyah Bello added 10, with both players also grabbing two rebounds. Miriam Bazylewicz was the leading scorer for LU, as she finished with 13 points, six rebounds, a block and an assist.

Lincoln (2-10, 0-6 MIAA) ended the day with a 29-25 advantage in rebounding, but Fort Hays State (12-4, 7-1 MIAA) made 12 three-pointers, though just one of those came in the second half. The Blue Tigers played FHSU tough in the opening half, concluding the first 10 minutes with Fort Hays State leading just 27-22. FHSU scored 27 points in the second quarter, however, as LU could come no closer than within three the rest of the way.

Ashlyn Alloway had nine points, five rebounds and a team-high three steals while Saniya Simmons dished a team-high six assists to go with two steals, four points and five boards. Le'Yanna McGinnis chipped in seven points and AJ Bradley scored six while Niyah Jackson tallied four points, two rebounds and an assist. Mercy Gonzalez rounded out Lincoln with three points and three boards.

The Blue Tigers will play on the road for the first time in 2023 on Thursday (Jan. 5), as Lincoln travels to Emporia, Kan. to face Emporia State in a 5:30 p.m. CST contest.