By Brad Blume, Sports Information Director
KEARNEY Neb. --- Trailing by as much as 18 points during the game, a South Dakota School of Mines second-half rally fell just short Sunday afternoon as the Lady Hardrockers fell to the University of Nebraska-Kearney, 59-55, in Nebraska.
Down, by 10 at the half, 29-19, the Hardrockers fell into a hole to open the second period, but then unleashed for 36 points over the final 20 minutes only to let the Lady Lopers escape with the win as the home team posted 30 markers in the second half.
The Hardrockers shot just 27 percent in the first half (8-30) and then improved for a 13-31 performance in the second half (42 percent). SD Mines was 21-61 in the game for 34 percent from the field. The Lopers made good on 22-47 for 47 percent. SD Mines shot well from the foul line, converting 11-14 for 79 percent while UNK was 50 percent making 9-18.
For the game, SD Mines had 37 rebounds, 15 assists, 12 steals and three blocks.
Individually for the Lady 'Rockers, freshman Olivia Antilla led the way with 20 points, nine rebounds and two assists while senior Katie Strandholm had 17 points, five rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists.
The loss is the second in a row for the Lady Hardrockers who are now 9-5 on the season and will next play an exhibition game against the University of Wyoming on Thursday in Laramie, Wyo.