Hardin-Simmons Rallies Past 'Roo Women's Hoops

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College women's basketball team saw a strong first half performance slip away on Sunday afternoon, as a third quarter surge by Hardin-Simmons University propelled the visitors to a 55-44 victory at Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos move to an even 4-4 record on the season, while Hardin-Simmons improves to 8-1.

Austin College came out firing in the opening period, stifling the Cowgirls defensively and building an early lead. The 'Roos held Hardin-Simmons to just six points in the first quarter, taking a 14-6 advantage into the second frame. Austin College led by as many as 12 points midway through the first quarter as they raced out to a 14-2 lead. The 'Roos maintained their edge heading into the locker room, holding a 28-25 lead at halftime, though a three pointer by HSU's Dylan Koele with three seconds remaining in the half cut into the momentum.

The Hardin-Simmons offense came alive in the third quarter, however, while the 'Roos struggled to find the bottom of the net, knocking down just 3-of-11 field goal attempts. HSU outscored Austin College 19-8 in the period to vault into the lead, taking a 44-36 edge into the final stanza. The fourth quarter proved to be a defensive grind for both sides, with the visitors outscoring the 'Roos 11-8 to seal the 11-point win.

Lexi Martin led the way for Austin College, finishing with a team-high 11 points and six assists while hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Avory Miller chipped in with 10 points and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds, while Trinity Williams added nine points and six boards for the 'Roos.

For Hardin-Simmons, Dylan Koele led all scorers with 16 points, connecting on 4-of-6 attempts from three point range. Jacqueline Berry filled the stat sheet for the visitors with nine points, a game-high 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Austin College finished the game shooting 30.9% overall and 25.0% from three-point territory, while the Cowgirls hit 35.2% of their attempts and 36.8% from long range. The 'Roos were perfect from the free-throw line but had limited opportunities, converting 4-of-4 attempts, while HSU struggled at the line at 45.5%, but earned 22 attempts, making 10.