A strong fourth quarter was a bright spot in a loss to a successful and talented opponent for the Charger women's basketball team.
Taking on a Kentucky Wesleyan squad that's lost just once in 18 games this season, Hillsdale showed grit and character in rallying in the fourth quarter of a 69-60 loss at the Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena. KWC is now 18-1 on the season while Hillsdale fell to 5-12 and 2-6 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
The Panthers led by as many as 23 points, midway through the fourth quarter, when the Chargers dug deep and made this a stressful game for KWC to close out. Hillsdale went on an 11-0 run to suddenly make it a nine-point margin. The Chargers played well in a full-court sense, playing good defense, rebounding well and getting good shots close to the rim.
Leading the way for Hillsdale was the inspired play of freshman forward Sydney Mills, who had the best game of her young career. She finished with a career-high 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Her rebound total was one off her career high, set early this season. She made good, strong cuts to the basket and finished with both her right and left hands, converting pinpoint passes from her teammates.
The Chargers outrebounded the Panthers 44-41, with sophomore Anna LoMonaco also contributing a nice game for Hillsdale. She had 6 points and 7 rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench and was a positive presence in the paint, especially in the first half.
The Panthers enjoyed a big edge from the arc, making 10 3-point field goals, an advantage they held that made a difference in the score most of the way.
Grace Touchette had 10 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds for Hillsdale while Jaycie Burger added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
PHOTO: MaryKate Drews