OLIVET, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team fell on the road Saturday afternoon at the hands of Olivet College. The Comets defeated the Hornets 79-52.
Down just 16-13 with 3:13 remaining in the first quarter, the Hornets fell victim to a quick 6-1 run from the Comets which gave Olivet a 22-14 lead heading into the second period.
After Kalamazoo cut the lead to six with the first basket of the second quarter, Olivet slowly extended its lead throughout the rest of the period with strong shooting. The Comets led 38-23 at the end of the first half.
Thoughts of a comeback for the Hornets slipped away in the second half as the Comets continued to shoot the ball well and extended their lead to 26 by the end of the third quarter.
Despite facing a large deficit in the fourth, the Hornets never quit as they were outscored just 13-12 in the final period of play.
Grace Smith led the way for the Hornets offensively and on the glass. She ended the evening with 18 points and 10 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season.
Also scoring in double figures for Kalamazoo were Claire Slaughter and Emily Kozal. Slaughter recorded 10 points and seven rebounds. Kozal scored 11, while going a perfect 3-for-3 from the charity stripe.
The Hornets shot 32 percent from the field and went 16-for-25 at the free throw line.
Kalamazoo will look to regroup this Tuesday, Dec. 15 when they travel to Manchester University for a non-league match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.