ASHLAND, Or. - The women's basketball team was on the road for the second consecutive night as they took on the tournament host Southern Oregon University.
A hard-fought game fell a bit short as the Red Hawks dropped its second game in as many days to SOU, 60-45.
The first quarter of play saw the Red Hawks draw first blood in the matchup as
Nikki Thompson converted 1-2 from the free throw line to get the night's scoring underway.
Rachel Gafford would have a solid first quarter as she picked up five points on two buckets. But the Raiders would cling to a 15-11 lead after one-quarter of play.
Sophomore
Anna Marshall got the scoring started in the second quarter as she picked up a key layup to put Simpson within four points of the Raiders.
Kayla Morgan had a big second quarter as she registered a team-high six points as she shot 3-5 from the floor.
The Red Hawks had a strong first half of play as they trailed the Raiders 29-23.
The Red Hawks and Raiders would go to-to-toe in the third quarter as
Natalie Brown opened the second half scoring with a bucket then a key assist to
Dyani Del Castillo to put the Red Hawks within five.
Simpson had strong contributions from its bench in the third quarter as they put up 16 points highlighted by
Hannah Parsons who posted a team-high five points to go along with two rebounds.
However, the Raiders were able to hold off the Red Hawk's comeback as they closed out the fourth quarter with a 60-45 victory.
Gafford had a team-high 11 points to go along with three rebounds and three assists.
Kayla Morgan followed close behind with 10 points and three boards on the night.
Simpson flexed its depth as the bench had a quality night as they put up 26 points.
Simpson will prepare and get ready to compete in the College of Idaho tournament this coming weekend as they play 5 PM on Friday.
