RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The UW-River Falls women's basketball team wrapped up the UWRF Invite Saturday evening, falling 58-41 to No. 23-ranked Hope College at Page Arena.

The Falcons hung tough early, trailing by just six at the end of the first half before the Flying Dutch used a strong second half to create separation. UWRF battled throughout the second half, but Hope's scoring attack and defensive pressure proved too much to overcome.

Senior guard Olivia Hoerl led the Falcons with 16 points, shooting 6-of-17 from the field and grabbing team-high 12 rebounds. Taylor Clarey followed with six points and two steals, while guard Savannah Leopold and Braelyn Beiler each added five points. Zoey Buchan, Sidney Schmit and Hoerl each contributed two assists a piece for the Falcon offense. 

Hope shot 41 percent from inside the arc, 22 percent from beyond and held a 45-39 advantage on the boards, while UWRF finished 25 percent from the field. The Falcons generated 15 points off turnovers and saw 17 points come from their bench in their early-season test against a nationally ranked opponent.

With the loss, UWRF moves to 1-1 on the season after opening the weekend with a win over No. 18 Calvin. The Falcons hit the road next week for a nonconference matchup against Central on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in Iowa.