GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball team fell to Montana Western in the Frontier Conference semifinals 81-61 Saturday night. 

The Bulldogs came out strong early, jumping out to an early 16-6 lead. The Argos managed to cut the gap to five at the end of the 1^st quarter, but the Bulldogs came out strong again in the second quarter to take a 42-23 at the half.

"They're a good team, they came ready to play," head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "But we didn't come ready to play. We didn't play hard in the first half. It was disappointing to see our effort and energy. We had some defensive issues and then we didn't respond on the offensive end. Then we played well on offense and then we didn't play any defense. I'm disappointed in our effort tonight."

The Argos cut the lead to nine going into the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs scored eight straight points to start the fourth quarter and never looked back.

The Bulldogs played aggressive defense all game, forcing a total of 18 turnovers, 14 of which came in the first half.

"They're physical," Himmelberg said. "They push, they shove. You have to be ready for that. I didn't think our girls responded very well."

Three players scored in double-figures for the Argos, led by 14 from Emilee Maldonado. Reed Hazard and Brooklyn Harn chipped in 10 points. Parker Esary was a point short of a double-double, recording nine points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulldogs were led by Brynley Fitzgerald, who scored 22 points and pulled down six rebounds. Lilly Gopher added 15 points, and Syndey Sheridan recorded 14. Paige Holmes chipped in 11 while Shainy Mack scored 10.

With the win, the Bulldogs advance to the Frontier Conference Championship to take on Carroll on Monday at 7 p.m. The Argos meanwhile, will wait until the NAIA Selection Show on Thursday, March 4 to find out if they will qualify for the NAIA National Tournament.