Akron-Westfield delivered a powerful opening statement, building a 17-point lead in the first quarter against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn. The Westerners only added to that advantage in the second half, ultimately posting a 62-36 War Eagle Conference victory December 14 at Akron. This was the first conference game for HMS which fell to 2-3 on the season.
The Hawks hit a third of their shots from the floor with 16 field goals in 48 tries. That included a 3-of-11 effort from beyond the arc. HMS was 1-of-5 at the free throw line. The Westerners were 29-of-64 from the field for 45 percent. They sank four of five free throw attempts. Akron-Westfield picked a good night to go 0-for-17 from three-point rang as the inaccuracy did not prove costly.
HMS got 12 points from Kylee Schiphoff, eight from Jasmine Lux, five from both Elise Haack and Lydia Harders and two each from Emily Mutombo, Emily Otto and Abby Douma. Harders and Schiphoff each came away with a pair of steals. The Westerners turned the ball over 13 times while HMS committed 22 turnovers.
Akron-Westfield enjoyed a big edge on the boards with 36 rebounds compared to 19 for the Hawks. Harders was the leading HMS rebounder with five, followed by Lux and Douma with four apiece. Natalie Nielsen topped the Westerners with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
HMS 4 15 6 11 – 36
A-W 21 13 12 16 – 62