Women’s basketball team rallies but comes up short against Mich.-Deaborn, 62-58

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The Olivet College women's basketball team rallied but came up short against University of Mich.-Dearborn, 62-58, tonight at the UMD Fieldhouse in Dearborn.

The teams traded baskets in the first five minutes of the game. Olivet's last lead was 10-9 at the 15:09 mark when senior Stephanie Spehar (South Lyon) made a jump shot. In the first half, the Wolves built a 15-point lead twice, with the last time being 32-17. UMD led by 14 points, 34-20 at halftime.

In the second half, the Wolves extended their lead to 20 points, 44-24, with 15:21 left in the game. The Comets outscored them, 25-8 over the next 10 minutes to trim their deficit down to one possession at 52-49. UMD kept control by scoring eight of the next points to regain a nine-point lead, 60-51. Olivet scored six straight points to trail by just three points, 61-58, with 15 seconds remaining. UMD sealed the win with a free throw.

Four Comet starters reached double figures, led by junior Debbie Nikodemski's (Rockford) 13 points. Sophomore Kati Stickney (Union City) scored a career-high 11 points, while Spehar and junior Alysia Cole (Roseville) each had 10 points. Cole grabbed a team-leading eight rebounds.

For the Wolves, Jackie Hood led all players with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor and 8-of-10 free throws and nine rebounds. Alex Hann and Katie Roberts contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Olivet returns to action Saturday when it opens Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play at Adrian College. Tip-off at the Merillat Sports and Fitness Center is 3 p.m.