WICHITA, Kan. — Going up against a Division I squad in its first exhibition contest of the year, the Newman women's basketball team showed no fear, playing right with Wichita State and leading after the third quarter before eventually falling 58-49 Wednesday night.

Hannah Alexander led the way for the Jets, putting up game-highs with 23 points and nine rebounds in her first action in a Newman uniform. Mali Wright added eight points, while Natalia Hausmann added eight boards.

Down by 11 at the half and facing a 16-point deficit 90 seconds into the third quarter, the Jets charged back into the game with a 23-6 run to close the period.

Newman gets another crack at a DI foe in less than a week, as it travels to take on Kansas State Monday at 7 p.m.