Women's basketball team falls to Albion, 64-55

The women's basketball team fell to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) rival Albion College, 64-55, this evening at Kresge Gym in Albion.

Both teams traded baskets in the first six minutes, 48 seconds to make the score 10-10. The Britons (15-1, 7-0) then went on a 10-3 run for their biggest lead of the half. The Lady Comets (7-7, 2-4 MIAA) rallied and cut the deficit down to two points on five occasions with the last being at the 1:08 mark when senior Essence Porter (Battle Creek/Central) made a free throw. Albion led 33-27 at halftime.

Olivet opened the second half with a 10-4 run to tie the game at 37-37 on a three-pointer by sophomore Stephanie Smith (Waldron/Camden Frontier). Following another tie, 44-44, the Britons took a 54-46 lead with 4:47 left. The Comets battled back and closed to within one point at 56-55 with a three-point basket by senior Emily Fix (New Buffalo/Comstock Park) at the 3:13 mark. It would be Olivet's last basket of the contest as Albion ended the game with an 8-0 run.

Smith was the only Comet in double figures with 14 points. She was followed by Fix with nine points and sophomore Cassie Monette (Holt) and freshman Amy Brackenwagen (Grand Ledge) with eight points apiece. Monette grabbed a game-high nine rebounds while Porter had a team-high five assists.

Ruth Sventickas led the way for Albion with 18 points and six rebounds. Sarah Caskey chipped in with 15 points.

The Comets will wrap-up their three-game road swing when they play Calvin College Saturday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.