By Megan Maharry
Sports Editor
The Lady Ranger basketball team kicked off their 2018-19 season with a three-game week against Tabor College, University of Central University and Northeastern Oklahoma State University.
The Lady Rangers dropped their first contest against Tabor 77-62.
Tabor jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter.
They kept their lead until halftime where they lead the Lady Rangers 40-25.
The Lady Rangers jumped back into the game in the third quarter as they cut the deficit to 11.
The comeback was not enough, however, to take down the Blue Jays.
In her first game back, Kalea King lead the Lady Rangers with 17 points. She went 7-for-10 at the free throw line.
Freshman Presley Payahsape began her career with 10 points, four boards, two blocks and two steals.
The Lady Rangers went on to compete in the Mid-American Collegiate Athletic Association/Great American Conference crossover event against Central Oklahoma.
A hot start was not enough to take the win, however, as Northwestern dropped 64-53.
The Lady Rangers jumped out to a 14-point lead and led the first quarter 22-6.
UCO slowly worked themselves back into the game throughout the second quarter. The Lady Rangers had the 31-23 lead at halftime.
Northwestern struggled to keep the lead throughout the final minutes of the game and ultimately fell 64-53.
The Lady Ranger defense forced UCO to turn over the ball 19 times.
Jakeria Otey ended the game with 20 points followed by Bailey Brown with 11.
The Lady Rangers turned around to nab their first win early in this season against Northeastern Oklahoma State 76-71.
The game was a back and forth battle as the lead changed six times throughout the first quarter.
The Lady Rangers were down at halftime 36-31, but refused to be put away.
Nearly perfect from the free-throw line, Northwestern cut back into the lead and came away with the victory.
King finished the game with 20 points.
Otey and Jade Jones each finished with 16 points.
The Lady Rangers play their first home game on Nov. 15 against Emporia State University.