RICHMOND, Ind. – The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team resumed the 2015-16 season Tuesday afternoon at Earlham College after a brief holiday break, but the Hornets were unable to come away with a win in their final road game of 2015.
The Quakers defeated the Hornets, 67-61.
Kalamazoo jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead at the 6:16 mark of the first quarter before Earlham regained the lead with 3:36 remaining in the period. The Quakers led 17-14 after one.
Earlham extended its lead steadily during the second quarter despite Kalamazoo's efforts and the Quakers carried a 35-27 lead into halftime.
After each team scored 14 apiece in the third quarter giving Earlham an eight point lead heading into the fourth quarter, Kalamazoo battled its way back cutting the Quakers' lead to three at the 1:28 mark and with seven seconds remaining in the final period.
But every time Kalamazoo got within striking distance, Earlham had an answer. Two key free throws from the Quakers' Kasin Spay put the game out of reach with six seconds remaining.
Grace Smith led the way offensively for the Hornets scoring 17 points. She went 7-for-11 from the free throw line.
Kelsey Adamski and Emily Kozal also scored in double figures for the Hornets, scoring 15 and 11, respectively.
Claire Slaughter scored eight points and recorded nine rebounds.
Earlham managed to hold Kalamazoo to just 33 percent shooting from the field, but the Hornets defense was equally as good as the Quakers shot just 36 percent.
Kalamazoo will head home on New Year's Eve for its first home game since Dec. 2 against Calvin. The Hornets host Grove City on Thursday with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.