Columbia, MO - Stephens came up just short in its first conference game of the season, falling 61–58 to Mission on Saturday afternoon inside the Silverthorne Arena. The Stars held a lead entering the fourth quarter, but Mission closed the game with a late run to pull ahead in the final seconds.

Alonna Harvey-Williams led Stephens with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Sydney Reddin added 10 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Marilyn Mastro knocked down three threes for nine points off the bench, and Simone Clay added six points. Quimari Shelton and Destinee Hunt provided defensive energy and timely plays throughout the afternoon.

Stephens outscored Mission in the second and third quarters, using an 8–0 stretch late in the third to take a 48–46 lead into the final period. The Stars connected on eight three-pointers and forced 20 turnovers, turning those opportunities into 17 points.

Mission countered with a strong fourth quarter behind Ireland Jones, who finished with 25 points. Stephens continued to push late, cutting the deficit to one on a three from Simone Clay with 11 seconds remaining, but Mission closed the game at the line.

Stephens returns to action on Wednesday, December 10th at 5:30 p.m. when the Stars host the Hannibal-LaGrange Trojans.