After a tough loss to MidAmerica Nazarene University and its first win of the calendar year at Central Methodist University, the Baker University women’s basketball team fell to Evangel University, 71 – 63, Monday in Springfield, Mo.

On Jan. 25, the Wildcats traveled to Olathe to take on nationally ranked MidAmerica Nazarene. Baker dug itself into an early 18-point hole and couldn’t find its way out despite a hard-fought second half. The ‘Cats lost 80-62.

Senior Amanda Yates and junior Allie Heinen led the way with 24 and 17 points, respectively. Heinen also pulled down a team high of nine boards.

“They were a very good team, and we didn’t get off to a good start,” redshirt freshman Kendra Schaefer said.

Two days later the ‘Cats traveled to Fayette, Mo., for another Heart of America Athletic Conference match up.

Senior Molly Ediger, Yates and Heinen combined for 40 points as the Wildcats beat Central Methodist, 57-54. Heinen led Baker in rebounding with 11.

“It felt good to finally get a win,” sophomore Hannah Eagleman said.

The win stopped the Wildcats’ six-game losing streak, which began Jan. 4 against Benedictine College in Atchison.

Monday night, Baker hit the road again traveling to Springfield, Mo., to face Evangel.

A rough first half hurt the ‘Cats as they trailed 40-30 at the half.

Baker came out in the second half and held Evangel to 36 percent shooting from the floor, but the ‘Cats couldn’t overcome the halftime deficit. Baker lost 71-63.

“We didn’t play a full game,” Heinen said. “We beat them in the second half, but we didn’t put an entire game together.”

Thursday in the Collins Center Baker faced Graceland University. Results were unavailable at press time.

Baker will play next Saturday at Lindenwood University.