(LEBANON, Ill. – Jan. 23) – The McKendree University women's basketball team finished their two-game road series at Quincy University, Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats had the lead going into the final quarter of the game, but fell to the Hawks 63-68.

In the final possession in the first quarter, McKendree had a chance to jumpstart the pace of the game and take back the lead they established in the beginning. They would trail the Hawks by one heading into the second quarter. A good three-pointer from Sydney Diekhoff (Pekin, IL/Pekin Community) would put the Bearcats within two with 3:13 left in the second quarter. An up-and-under from Callie Pohlman (Appleton, WI/Appleton North) would tie the game at 29 with under a minute left in the first half. After making both of her free throw attempts, Erin Golden (Batavia, IL/Batavia) would put her team ahead, 31-29, going into halftime. In a three-possession span, Diekhoff would hit a three-pointer, followed by a jumper from Christy Fortune (Appleton, WI/Appleton West), and then another layup from Diekhoff would give the Bearcats the momentum they needed to take back the lead with five minutes left in the third quarter. They would take a 51-48 lead into the final quarter. At the two-minute mark, the Bearcats found themselves down by three and trying to create scoring opportunities, without giving up fouls. The Bearcats shot 38.6 percent from the floor, 20.0 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line.

Kari Kerkhoff's team had three players finish in double-figures. Sydney Diekhoff (Pekin, IL/Pekin Community) led the way with 16 points. Diekhoff was 6-of-11 from the floor and 40.0 percent from three-point range. Christy Fortune (Appleton, WI/Appleton West) added 14 points on the afternoon, going 6-for-6 in free throw attempts and 33.3 percent from the floor. Erin Stroberg (Rockford, IL/Rockford East) added 10 points and was 5-for-9 on the afternoon.

Quincy entered the game with one of the highest free throw percentage in the conference, and they would count on those extra points when given the opportunity. The Hawks would take a one-point lead into the second quarter, and would build it up to as much as seven. Quincy had a greater start to the second half. The Hawks came out of halftime hitting back-to-back three-pointers, leading by six with 8:43 left in the third quarter. A good jumper at the buzzer to end the third quarter would turn the game into a one-possession contest. A huge three-point shot in the first minute of the final quarter would get the Hawks back even with the Bearcats. The Hawks would build back up to a five-point lead with two and a half minutes left in the game, after being more aggressive with their shooting and movement on defense. The Hawks would record their first win of the season, 68-63.

Every player from Quincy contributed to their win. They were led by Jazzpher Evans who recorded 18 points. She was 60.0 percent from the floor and 25.0 percent from the arc. Laney Lantz added 12 points for her team, going 50.0 percent form the floor and three-point range, and 75.0 percent in her free throws.

McKendree will be back in the Harry M. Statham Sports Center for their next contest, with Truman State University. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 PM.