Hilo, Hawaii - The Quincy University women's basketball team began their two-game road trip in the Aloha State with another ranked matchup with the #5 Fort Hays State University Tigers on Friday night (Dec. 21). Despite a close run with the Tigers, a 20-point surge in the final five minutes put the Hawks under 73-60.

The Hawks took the lead early and often in the first quarter. Quincy got on the board first with a Karsyn Stratton pull up jumper in the key. The Hawks allowed the Tigers a five-point run, but the difference was cut again by Stratton. Quincy regained the lead with Acheampomaa Danso's layup and did not let up for the remaining six minutes of the first quarter. Seniors Cymirah Williams and Stratton led the Hawks in the first with six points each. 

For a team that averages 19 points a quarter, the Hawks defense was able to halt the Tigers through much of the second quarter. Collectively, the Hawks took away twelve second-chance opportunities off the board, and forced the Tigers to go 21 percent from the field. Alternatively, the Tigers kept the Hawks to just eight points in the second quarter, one basket each from Ashlynn Arnsman and Williams and two baskets from Danso. 

The Hawks kept up with the Tigers' quick play in the first part of the third quarter, but a seven-point run in the final minutes gave the Tigers a five-point edge over the Hawks by the end of the quarter. 

Mariann Blass scored the first two baskets of the fourth quarter after being shut down for the majority of the game. The Hawks sprinkled baskets throughout the fourth quarter, but the Tigers' 66 percent from the field and three made three-pointers pushed well past the Hawks. 

The Hawks shared the wealth on Friday evening with three players hitting double digits in the contest--Nicole McDermott, Stratton, and Williams. McDermott also led the Hawks in rebounds with 11, securing her second double-double of the season. Williams was not far away with nine rebounds. 

The Hawks return for another touch match tomorrow against Western Washington. The game will kick off at 11 p.m. Central time.