REDDING, Calif. - The women's team dropped a heartbreaker to first place University of Antelope Valley Pioneers, 54-53. 
 

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— Simpson Red Hawks (@SimpsonRedHawks) February 9, 2024
 

The Red Hawks drew first blood on the opening possession when Itzel Torres drained a three-pointer. 

A late foul at the end of the first quarter allowed the Red Hawks to put the final points on the board with a Rachel Gafford free throw. 

Simpson and UAV played a highly contested first quarter in favor of the Red Hawks 14-10 with dominant play in the paint and by capitalizing off UAV turnovers. 

Rory Hetrick opened up the second quarter scoring with a layup in the paint. 

The Pioneers rallied back and grabbed the two-point advantage late in the first half. 

A layup by Torres tied the game up at 22 with a layup in the paint. 

Two free throws by Hetrick to end the first half of play pulled Simpson within three going into the half down 24-27. 

Two free throws by Gafford to open the second half of play pulled Simpson within one. 

Simpson went on to dominate the third quarter as they went on a 14-5 run which included buckets by Gabby Sebit, Hannah Parsons, Dyani Del Castillo, Torres, Hetrick, and Gafford to end the third quarter of play. 



However, the Pioneers came roaring back as they outscored Simpson 19-8 in the fourth quarter. 

A Pioneer three-pointer with less than thirty seconds left put UAV out in front 54-53 as they sealed the come-from-behind win. 

Rory Hetrick had a team-high 15 points to go along with six rebounds. 

Itzel Torres followed close behind with 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds. 

With the loss, the Red Hawks is now in sole possession of fifth place in the Cal Pac standings. 

Simpson looks to bounce back next week Thursday when they take on Benedictine at home at 5:30 PM.