One tough quarter gives CMS loss to NAIA No. 2 Westmont

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's basketball team came up against a formidable foe in Westmont, losing 62-49, on Saturday evening. The Warriors were successful on 24 baskets and ultimately had eight less turnovers than the Athenas. Coming into the contest, Westmont was ranked No. 2 nationally in the NAIA.

After the first quarter, CMS had the one point lead at 13-12. Senior Kris Brackmann (CMC) led the charge with five points after hitting a three early in the quarter and then offering a layup just four possessions later. Classmate Aly Young (CMC) was good for two baskets in the paint including one with 24 seconds remaining to give the Athenas a 13-10 lead.

The Warriors put together a strong second quarter as Lauren McCoy was 4-for-5 plus two free throws for a total of 10 points. While CMS had seven turnovers and just five points, Westmont turned over the ball just once and poured in 18.

Going into the half, the Warriors had gathered a 12-point lead. The closest the Athenas would get for the rest of the game was within seven points in the middle of the third quarter after a pair of free throws by Young.

CMS out-scored the Warriors in the fourth quarter 18-17. During the period, junior Kailee Severt (CMC) led with six points. She was joined by Brackmann and sophomore Kiki Yang (CMC) at four points each.

Westmont grew their lead to almost 20 points on the back of three consecutive 3-pointers by Cora Chan. The Athenas answered back with six straight points capped off with a pair of free throws by sophomore Ellery Koelker-Wolfe (CMC). The classically efficient team from the free throw line did not disappoint tonight. The Athenas were 7-for-8 from the stripe, making at least one in each quarter.

Severt led CMS with 13 points and seven rebounds. McCoy dominated the paint for Westmont and recorded 19 points, two blocks and eight rebounds.

Head coach Kristen Dowling commented, "Westmont is a really good team that is well-coached. We had spurts of greatness tonight, but not enough for the win." The defending SCIAC champions hold the 4-3 record currently but with all three losses against stout opponents.

Next up for CMS is another conference matchup at Occidental on Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.

Box Score

By Emily Nordhoff
Sports Information Director

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