The Culver-Stockton College women's basketball team returned from the holidays and endured a 61-59 last second loss to Mount Mercy University Wednesday night in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Trailing 58-57, the Wildcats' Katie Webb drained a 18-foot jumper with 22.1 seconds remaining to give the visitors a 59-58 lead.

After a Mount Mercy timeout, the Mustangs inbounded near half-court and worked the ball to Madison Skelton who buried a 3-pointer from the left wing to give the hosts a 61-59 lead with 10 seconds remaining.

C-SC called time out to set up a potential game-tying basket. Senior Aaliyah Ortiz drove down the right side of the lane and threw up a scoop shot that rolled off the rim. The rebound went out of bounds as time expired.

The game saw each team dominate each quarter. The Mustangs led 17-8 after the first quarter; however, the Wildcats outscored the hosts 21-8 in the second quarter to take a 29-25 halftime lead.

Mount Mercy came out after half time and had a 22-11 edge in the third quarter to take a 47-40 lead to the final period. C-SC outscored the Mustangs 19-14 in the final 10 minutes to make things interesting.

The Wildcats placed three players in double figures with Webb leading the way with 16 points. Avery Oetting added 15 markers, while Ortiz contributed 14 points.

Ortiz added eight rebounds and three assists to lead the Wildcats. Oetting chipped in with seven caroms and three assists. Each team pulled down 39 rebounds in the game.

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Game Notes:

• The Wildcats see their record fall to 1-6 away from Charles Field House.
• Wednesday's loss was the first by the Wildcats this season when leading at the half. They had been 3-0 entering the game.
• Freshman Milliana Mozee-Williams registered six points and six rebounds in the game, both were career highs.
• The Wildcats fall to 4-9 overall and 3-6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
• Up Next: The Wildcat travel to Baldwin City, Kan., on Saturday, Jan. 6, to face Baker University. game time is set for 12 p.m. inside the Collins Center.