Upper Iowa women's basketball traveled to Winona State tonight to open up conference play. After struggling to hit shots, the Peacocks fell to the Warriors in a 78-45 decision. UIU dropped to 4-2 overall and 0-1 in conference. WSU improved to 6-0 (0-1 NSIC).

A slow start for the Peacocks prevented them from coming within reach of the Warriors and climbing their way back into the game. In the first quarter, they scored just eight points and went 3-17 (17.6%) from the field in comparison to Winona State who gathered 19 points and shot 7-12 (58.3%) from the floor. 

Their next period was more competitive as they nearly matched the Warriors by scoring 15 points in contrast to WSU's 16. With a 7-0 run to end the second quarter, the Peacocks concluded the first half trailing 35-25.

Despite Upper Iowa's' attempt to fight back, the Warriors extended their lead by 10 more points in the third quarter and another 10 in the fourth. The Peacocks trailed off in the fourth quarter after only scoring seven points.

In total, UIU had a lot of offensive opportunities, but struggled to convert. They went 17-64 (26.6%) from the field and 3-24 (12.5%) from behind the arc. Winona State hit 28-49 (57.1%) and shot an even better percentage from downtown, going 9-13 (69.2%).

Lydia Haack was the only Peacock in double figures with 10 points in the contest. Cassidy Pagel chipped in eight and went 4-8 from the floor. 

Winona State's Alex Dornfeld led her squad with 19 points and nine rebounds. Caitlin Riley tallied 16 for the evening.

Upper Iowa returns back to action on Dec. 1 as they host Concordia St. Paul in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the Golden Bears. On Dec. 3, UIU heads to Mankato, Minn. for a duel with Minnesota State University Mankato at 2 p.m