The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades women's basketball squad suffered their first loss of the season Saturday, falling 59-55 to the University of Regina Cougars in Saskatchewan.

The Cascades entered the game undefeated with a 9-0 record and ranked second in the nation, with the Cougars hot on their heels at number three.

But although UFV took an early lead, Regina took the lead in the second quarter and extended it in the third.

The Cascades shot just 25 per cent from the field in the first half.

But despite a fourth-quarter rally and a hun-y defence that forced 21 turnovers, the Cas-des couldn't complete the comeback.

Aieisha Luyken led UFV with 16 points. Nicole Wierks added 12 points, while Kayli Sar-tori posted 11 points, four rebounds and four steals. Courtney Bartel led the way with eight rebounds.

The previous night, the Cascades had breezed to an easy 39-point win over Brandon University. UFV shot 45 per cent on the night en route to a 74-35 win.

Sartori posted a career-high 27 points and added three rebounds, steals and assists. Sarah Wierks also recorded 11 points and six steals in the win.

The games are the last of the fall for the Cascades, who break for exams. Their next game is Jan. 11 against the University of Saskatchewan at the Envision Athletic Centre in Abbotsford.