COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Shanah Leaf scored 15 points in her first official game since the 2015-16 season as the University of Colorado Colorado Springs fell 61-34 to No. 9 West Texas A&M in the 2017-18 season-opener today in the Gallogly Events Center. Maddie Golla led the Mountain Lions with eight rebounds.

UCCS struggled shooting from the field in the first quarter as the Lady Buffs opened a 17-7 advantage. Emily Seifert opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to bring the game within single digits at 17-10 but West Texas gradually opened a 14-point lead at 29-15 with two minutes left in the half and took a 12-point margin into halftime against the Mountain Lions, 29-17.

After a slow start to the third quarter, UCCS finished the quarter on an 11-2 run in the final four minutes and cut the lead down to 43-28. The Lady Buffs outscored the Mountain Lions 18-6 in the fourth quarter in the 61-34 decision.

Leaf's 15 points tied for her second-best output in her career and came with a five-for-seven performance from the field, a perfect two-for-two at the three-point line and three-for-five at the free throw line. She added six rebounds on defense. Seifert finished the game with a career-high seven points.

UCCS will remain at home for a Monday game against Wayne State College. The Wildcats went 2-1 in the Division II Tip-Off Classic last week and will play at Nebraska-Kearney Saturday ahead of Monday's game.