REDDING, Calif. - The women's basketball squad bounced back tonight as they defeated La Sierra 60-51. 

A free throw by Nikki Thompson got Simpson the board before a three-pointer by Anna Marshall on the Red Hawk's second possession. 

Marshall and Thompson anchored the Red Hawks offense in the first quarter as they combined for 13 points with Cerina Nguyen adding a bucket. 

A three-pointer by Zara Dumatol followed by a jumper by Tessa Kinney gave Simpson an eight-point lead, 20-12. 

But the Golden Eagles went on a 12-3 run to take the 24-23 lead before a big and-one play by Thompson gave Simpson back the two-point lead. 

Back-to-back buckets by Marshall to close out the half pulled Simpson within one, 31-30. 

Simpson jumped on the board to begin the second half on buckets by Thompson and Nguyen. 

Thompson drilled a three-pointer to close out her big third quarter as she posted nine points to give Simpson the four-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Golden Eagles fought back and pulled within three with two and a half minutes left. 

But a huge three-pointer by Dumatol followed by a layup by Marshall iced the game and helped Simpson seal the 60-51 victory. 

Marshall had a big night as she posted a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds. 

Thompson followed close behind with 17 points to go along with seven rebounds. 

With the win, Simpson moves into second place as they have the tiebreaker over La Sierra and are currently one game behind UC Merced for the top spot. 

The women's team looks to be back in action this week Saturday as they take on Westcliff at 5:30 pm. 
 

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