Bradford, PA – Kylie Reinholz's 15 points in just 23 minutes of play was not enough for the Hawks, who fell 66-52 to the Lions of Pitt-Bradford (13-9, 9-6). Hilbert was down by as many as 21 points but could not make a big enough run to come back. The Hawks were unable to stop Pitt Bradford from pounding the ball inside and gave up 40 points in the paint. Bradford did not attempt a three-pointer.
Pitt-Bradford's Madison Krebs led all scorers with 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Brittany Watts and Alicia Kimmel were the only other double-digit scorers for Bradford, contributing 13 and 12 respectively. Geena Sneeringer led all players with 5 steals.
Natalie Whitman was one rebound shy of a double-double with her 11 points and two assists. Emily Speidel chipped in eight points, while playing the entire 40 minutes. Kateland Ball also knocked down seven points on three of four shooting, while Amber Hay had a game-high two blocks.
The Hawks opened the game with a 7-3 run capped with a three-pointer by Speidel. The Lions used a few possessions to tie the game but did not control a lead until 10:58 was left in the half. During that time the Hawks controlled a five point lead but could not extend it any further. Once Pitt-Bradford took the lead, they never trailed again and finished the half on a 20-8 run, giving them the 31-22 edge.
Hilbert fought back in the opening minutes of the second half and a Reinholz layup brought the Hawks within four but Bradford countered with an 11-0 run to go up 46-31 with 13:39 remaining. The Lions continued to force turnovers and grab offensive rebounds to extend their lead to as much as 21 points. The Hawks fought back and finished the game with a 12-5 run for a final score of 66-52.
Hilbert turned the ball over 21 times, with 17 of those being credited as Bradford steals. The Hawks could not keep the Lions off the boards and gave up 25 rebounds and lost the overall rebounding battle 53-29.
The Hawks (4-18, 2-13) come back to the Hafner Recreation Center for their final home game of the season this Saturday at 3pm. Seniors Natalie Whitman, Jenna Crans, andKateland Ball will be honored before the game.