The lady Rustlers struggled from the free throw line Monday night losing to the Lancers of Eastern Wyoming 86-79.

The Rustlers and Lancers battled it out all night with the score staying close most of the first half with the two teams exchanging basket for basket. The lancers pulled away late in the second quarter while the Rustlers struggled to hit shots. The Rustlers went into the half down 47-36.

In the third the Rustlers cut the lead down to four, but struggled to contain the Lancers aggressive offensive game. In the fourth the Rustlers tried to make another run at the Lancers, but couldn't string together enough stops and buckets to overcome the Lancers. The Rustlers outscored the Lancers in the fourth quarter 25-24.

The Rustlers were lead by Rylee Burmester with 26 points on 11 for 20 from the field and pulling down 10 rebounds. Paulani Tarawa racked up 20 points going eight for 15 from the field going one for three from beyond the arc. Amryn Brown added in eight points, while Brayle Crosman pulled down seven rebounds.

The Rustlers shot 44 percent from the field and 15 percent from beyond the arc connecting on only two of their 13 attempts. The Rustlers struggled at the charity stripe netting 15 of their 24 attempts.

"This was probably our best offensive performance of the year, however from the free throw line where we have been outstanding all year we missed nine,"said head coach Ken Swartz. "Up to this point we have out rebounded six of our nine opponents. Overall we still need to improve defensively and we need to make a decision on whether the three point shot is ours to take as we are shooting 24 percent."

The Rustlers continue their season at the Mustang Invitational in Rock Springs Friday against Colorado Northwestern at 1pm.

Story by Mika Pinner