Women’s basketball team edges Dominican, 80-76

RICHMOND, Ind. – The Olivet College women's basketball team edged Dominican (Ill.) University, 80-76, in the consolation game of the 2015 Earlham (Ind.) College Quaker Tournament in Richmond, Indiana. Senior Shauni Hankins was selected to the all-tournament for her play.

Olivet put the first two points on the scoreboard when junior T'Keiya Collins made a pair of free throws. The Comets stretched their lead to double figures for the first time at 19-9 with 1:38 left in the first period. Olivet led by eight points, 23-15, after one period of play.

In the second period, the Comets led by as many as 11 points, 31-20, with 3:28 remaining. The Stars battled back and trimmed their deficit to five points, 33-28. Olivet scored seven of the last nine points of the period to take a 40-30 lead at halftime.

The Comets maintained a double digit lead for most of the third period. Dominican closed the period on a 6-2 run to trail by only two pointers, 62-60, entering the final period of play. The Starts took their first lead in the game, 65-64, at the 8:23 mark of the fourth period.

Junior Jillian Nickels made a three-pointer to put Olivet back ahead by two points, 67-65. The Comets did not give up their lead for the rest of the game.

For the game, Olivet made 33 baskets, with two three-pointers, and 12 free throws for its 80 points. Dominican had 24 field goals, including seven triples, and 21 free throws for its 76 points. Collins led the way for the Comets with 18 points. Junior Leeza Donald came off the bench to score 12 points. Senior Dallas Austin reached double figures with 10 points. Hankins and senior Bre Kidd each had six rebounds.

Shamia Clark paced the Stars with a game-high 26 points. Claudia DeNigris chipped-in 14 points. Clark and Angela Evola finished with six rebounds apiece.

The Comets return to the court next Saturday, Nov. 28, against Franklin (Ind.) College. Tip-off from The Cutler Event Center in Olivet is 3 p.m.