Spearfish, South Dakota - New Mexico Highlands opened Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play Friday evening with a 4-0 loss to Black Hills State at the Black Hills Power Sports Complex.

The loss dropped the Cowgirls to 0-5-1 overall and 0-1-0 in RMAC play, while Black Hills State improved to 4-0-2 overall and 1-0-0 in the conference.

Black Hills State struck almost immediately, scoring just five seconds into the match. The Yellow Jackets scored again in the sixth minute to take a 2-0 lead.

New Mexico Highlands generated an early opportunity of its own when Tyesha Nelson put a shot on goal in the fourth minute. The Cowgirls held the Yellow Jackets scoreless over the remainder of the opening half and went to the break trailing 2-0.

Black Hills State added two goals in a span of less than three minutes early in the second half, scoring in the 57th minute before making it 4-0 in the 59th minute.

The Cowgirls continued to push offensively and produced seven of their eight shots after halftime. Mia Roybal put back-to-back attempts on goal in the 76th and 77th minutes, while Maya Miljatovich had three second-half shots. New Mexico Highlands finished the match with eight shots, including three on goal.

Roybal led New Mexico Highlands with two shots on goal, while Nelson accounted for the Cowgirls' other attempt on frame. Miljatovich led the team with three total shots.

Peyton Greener played all 90 minutes in goal for New Mexico Highlands and recorded six saves. Black Hills State finished with 21 shots, including 10 on goal.

New Mexico Highlands continues its RMAC road trip Sunday when the Cowgirls travel to Denver to face Regis at noon.