KALAMAZOO, Mich. – After losing a tight game on the road just two days ago, the Kalamazoo College women's basketball team bounced back with an impressive win Thursday afternoon to send itself into the New Year on a high note.
The Hornets defeated the visiting Grove City College Wolverines, 51-43.
After getting off to a sluggish start scoring just four points and finding themselves down 12-4 at the end of the first quarter, the Hornets scored nine unanswered points in the first six minutes of the second quarter, taking a 13-12 lead at the 4:37 mark.
Trading baskets for the rest of second quarter, the Wolverines carried a slight 21-17 into the locker rooms at halftime.
Another back and forth third quarter, the Hornets regained the lead with 26 seconds before the start of the fourth and the teams headed to the final period tied at 35 apiece.
That's when the Hornets found their killer instinct.
Kalamazoo began the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run and never allowed the Wolverines back into the game.
While the Hornets shot just 30 percent from the floor, they consistently got themselves to the foul line, making 16 of their 22 attempts from the stripe.
Kalamazoo's defense held the Wolverines to 27 percent shooting.
Grace Smith led the way for Kalamazoo both on the glass and from the floor. Her 19 points and 11 rebounds give her four double-doubles on the season. She also recorded two steals in the win.
Kelsey Adamski was the other lone Hornet to score in double figures, netting 14 points.
Danielle Simon scored seven points and brought down 10 boards.
Kalamazoo will continue its season and ring in 2016 on the road when it travels to Oberlin College on Saturday, Jan. 2. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.