CONCORDIA, Kan. - The Independence Women's Basketball team couldn't overcome a tough start en route to a 79-59 road loss to Cloud County on Saturday afternoon. 

The Thunderbirds ran out to a large lead early thanks to five three point makes in the first period on their way to a 70% shooting quarter that gave them a 33-8 lead. The Pirates would battle back for the majority of the next two periods, as they were able to trim the lead back down to single digits at the two minute mark of the third quarter. The Thunderbirds would catch fire again down the stretch as they finished the game on a 26-14 run from that point on to ultimately clinch the 20-point victory.

Cloud County finished their efficient offensive day shooting 45% from the field and 42% from deep, while the Pirates finished the day shooting 28% from both the field and the three point line. Cloud County also had advantages in the rebounding battle, 46-35, and points in the paint 28-22. The Pirates did force 19 turnovers, which they converted into 16 points, while dishing out 15 assists led by Jade Oliney who had seven.

Danaiya Stillwell-Smith had a big game, finishing with a game high 23 points and added a team high eight rebounds. Oliney had five points and six rebounds to go with her team high in assists. Mimi White was the only other Pirate to finish in double figures, as she had 15 points off of the bench. 

The Lady Pirates, now 1-11 in conference play, will begin their second turn through the conference schedule as they will host Colby on Wednesday. The Trojans defeated the Pirates 57-24 back on November 19th.