Northwest's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011 ended early against a strong defensive performance by Fort Hays State.
The sixth-seeded Bearcats (23-8) dropped the opening round game to the third-seeded Tigers 62-47.
Northwest shot just 1-11 from the field in the first quarter and trailed 16-8 heading to the second. The 'Cats cut the deficit to two points twice in the second frame, but weren't able to pull even or go ahead.
Caely Kesten scored a game-high 13 points for the Bearcats. Molly Hartnett put up nine points.
Jayna Green finished with eight points, four rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
Kelsey Fields had four points and 10 rebounds.
Northwest finished with their most wins in a season (23) since 2011, and second most conference wins in a season (16) ever.