Women’s basketball team falls to Trine, 52-41

ANGOLA, Ind. – The Olivet College women's basketball team slipped into a tie for third-place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) standings with a 52-41 loss to Trine (Ind.) University today at Hershey Hall in Angola, Indiana.

Neither team led by more than two points in the first period, as it ended in an 11-11 tie. The Thunder took the largest lead for either team, 18-14, at the 7:01 mark of the second period. Trine then extended its lead to six points on two occasions, 22-16 and 24-18.

Senior Jackie Harwood made a three-pointer to cut the Comets' deficit in half, 24-21, with 2:06 left before halftime. The only other points scored in the second quarter was a basket by the Thunder's Alivia Recker to make the score 26-21 at intermission.

Olivet started the third period on a 6-0 run – all scored by senior Dallas Austin – to take a 27-26 lead. The teams traded baskets and the Comets led 30-29 midway through the quarter. Trine responded with its own 6-0 run for a 35-30 lead. Senior Bre Kidd scored a fast break layup to make the score 35-32 at the end of the period.

To start the fourth quarter, Harwood tied the game at 35-35 when she made three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt. Austin put the Comets ahead on a layup. After one more tied score 39-39, the Thunder outscored Olivet 13-2 over the final five minutes and 56 seconds to win the game.

Austin finished the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Harwood chipped-in six points, and Kidd had four assists.

Trine's Hayley Martin led all scorers with 19 points. She also grabbed 10 rebounds. Ashley Elliott joined her in double figures with 11 points.

Olivet concludes the first half of its conference schedule next Wednesday, Jan. 20, when it travels to play Adrian College at 6 p.m.