COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Hardin-Simmons built an early cushion and traded leads down the stretch, but Wartburg used a strong fourth quarter to edge the Cowgirls 71–68 on Thursday afternoon at Reid Arena.
Hardin-Simmons (10-2) opened fast, shooting 58.3 percent in the first quarter and taking a 23–16 lead behind a balanced attack. Abbie Crow knocked down four 3-pointers and Jacqueline Berry helped control the tempo as the Cowgirls pushed the margin to seven after one.
The Cowgirls used a strong third quarter, regaining the lead behind MaeSyn Gay's work on the glass and timely shooting from Caroline Croft. Hardin-Simmons carried a 53–49 advantage into the final period, but Wartburg's Katie Boulanger took over late, scoring 29 points on 9-of-10 shooting to spark the comeback.
Berry led Hardin-Simmons with 15 points, while Crow added 14 and Croft finished with 11. Gay posted a double-double with ten points and 11 rebounds as the Cowgirls matched Wartburg on the boards, 39–39.
Hardin-Simmons will return home on Saturday, December 28, hosting Chapman inside the Mabee Athletic Complex. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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