HIRAM, Ohio - December 15, 2022 - Hiram's 4-game win streak ended on Thursday night in a 68-54 non-conference loss to Defiance. The hard-fought defeat marked the team's first loss at Price Gymnasium this season and its first loss in any game since November 12 at John Carroll.

Brooke Hickman remained a force with game-highs in points (19) and rebounds (11). Haley Thompson also made her return to the lineup, filling the stat sheet for 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

The Terriers worked hard on the boards, outperforming their opponents in offensive rebounds (15-7) and in second-chance points (8-4). The Yellow Jackets played well on the defensive end and held Hiram to a 29% FG pct, although the home team shot an efficient 40% in the final quarter.

Hiram held a 13-10 lead at the end of the first quarter, highlighted by 3 three-pointers from Maddie Rakestraw. The 3 three-pointers were a season-high for Rakestraw in a game.

Defiance would respond and outscore the Terriers by 16 points between the second and third quarters. Kalista Friday and Taylor Steinbrunner combined for 32 points in the game.

Hiram tallied 19 points in the fourth quarter – its most in any quarter of the game – but Defiance held on for the win.

The Terriers had won 4 straight games entering play, all by margins of 10-or-more points. The win streak was its longest since it won 4 straight in December 2017.

Hiram continues non-conference play on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Waynesburg.