REDDING, Calif. - The women's basketball team clinched its third consecutive playoff berth under Head Coach Edgar Mendez Saturday night as they defeated Park-Gilbert University 66-63.
The Red Hawks honored three seniors;
Rachel Gafford,
Riley Wallen, and
Kayla Morgan.
The Buccaneers jumped out to the early 9-0 lead before an
Anna Marshall bucket put Simpson on the board.
Simpson played catchup in the first quarter as they trailed by double-digits for most of the quarter.
Rory Hetrick put the final points on the board for Simpson in the first quarter on a layup in the paint to make it a 18-8 game.
But the Buccaneers added to its lead in the second quarter as they grew its lead to as much as 16 points.
But a huge layup by Hetrick drew a foul and allowed Simpson to pull within 13 points after Hetrick converted on the free throw to complete the three-point play.
Senior
Riley Wallen hit a big three-pointer as time expired before the half to cut into the Park lead and give some momentum to Simpson as they headed into the half.
Nikki Thompson got the scoring started for Simpson in the second half on two converted free throws.
Simpson outscored Park 23-15 in the third quarter to stay within striking distance.
A late free throw by
Gabby Sebit made it a three-point game as they headed into the fourth and final quarter of play.
A jumper by
Rachel Gafford to open up the fourth quarter pulled Simpson within one, 49-50.
Natalie Brown hit a clutch three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 59.
Wallen added to her stellar senior night as she drilled the game-tying bucket with just under a minute left to play to send the game into overtime.
Simpson grabbed the early lead on a Gafford layup on Simpson's opening possession of the overtime period.
The Red Hawks played solid defense in the final minutes of the overtime period as they held Park scoreless for the last three minutes of play.
Free throws by Thompson and Gafford sealed away the night's victory to send the seniors off on a high note and the Red Hawks team into the playoffs.
Rachel Gafford and
Riley Wallen had a huge senior night as they combined for 31 points and 10 rebounds.
Rory Hetrick also scored 10 points to go along with six rebounds.
Simpson will hit the road for its final two games of the season as they take on Westcliff and Saint Katherine Univerity this week.
