MERCED, Calif. - The women's basketball team picked up its fourth straight conference win in a wild come-from-behind victory over UC Merced tonight, 63-60. 
 

??Final Score??

Women's Basketball 

?? Uc Merced 

63-60??????

Let's Go Red Hawks!!!! pic.twitter.com/DOJCf2W2Z7
— Simpson Red Hawks (@SimpsonRedHawks) January 3, 2024
 

Itzel Torres started the night scoring for the Red Hawks with a layup in the paint to give Simpson the early lead. 

Simpson would find itself down by as much as six points in the first quarter. 

But a 7-0 Simpson run started by a Nikki Thompson free throw and capped off by a Hannah Parsons three-pointer would tie the game at 11. 

Back-to-back three-pointers by Torres and Thompson to open the second period would give Simpson the early 17-11 lead in the second quarter of play. 

The Bobcats and Red Hawks would exchange buckets throughout the second quarter with UC Merced having the 22-17 advantage over Simpson. 

However, Hanna Parsons would create a key bucket late in the second quarter with the time running out when she rebounded her own shot and converted a layup to pull Simpson within five points as they headed into the half. 

Parsons would score the first second-half points as she converted on both free throws. 

Simpson would fight and scratch to keep the Bobcats within striking distance. 

Dyani Del Castillo would drain a long three-pointer to tie the game late in the third quarter at 43. 

Kayla Morgan would convert on back-to-back layups to close out the third quarter's scoring for Simpson as they headed into the fourth and final quarter down 47-52. 

Simpson would strike first in the final period when Natalie Brown hit a three-pointer from way downtown to pull Simpson within two points. 

The Red Hawks would dominate the fourth quarter as they outscored UC Merced 16-8. 

Simpson grew its largest lead to six points with just under one minute left after a Nikki Thompson layup.

A late three-pointer by the Bobcats would make the game interesting but the Red Hawk's defense would be able to hold the lead for the 63-60 victory. 

Hannah Parsons led the way with a team-high 13 points and two blocks to go along with three rebounds. 

Nikki Thompson followed close behind with 12 points of her own to go along with four rebounds. 

With the win, Simpson is now in sole possession of first place in the Cal Pac standings.

Simpson will continue to be road warriors as they take on the University of Antelope Valley in Lancaster, CA this Saturday at 2:30 PM.