Comets upended by St. Mary, 54-39

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — The Cottey Comets were unable to keep pace in the fourth quarter, falling to the University of St. Mary Lady Spires, 54-39, in Monday night college basketball action.

Cottey (0-14) dropped its first match-up against St. Mary by 22 points in November.

The first half Monday night was a low-scoring affair, and the Comets entered halftime tied 17-17, in a half where both teams struggled on the offensive end.

In the third quarter, Cottey continued to battle with the Lady Spires, and found themselves trailing by only four points heading into the final frame.

The Comets struggled to defend the 6-foot-3 inside presence of Dakota Corle down the stretch, and were forced to foul coming down the stretch. Unfortunately for the Comets, they were unable to convert on the offensive end late in the game, as the Spires came away with the 15-point victory.

“We had one of our best defensive nights tonight,” said Cottey head coach Stephanie Beason. “That solid defense is a plus, considering four of (our) next six opponents are either ranked in the top 25 for NAIA D-2, or are receiving votes for the top 25. This has been a trying season for our team. We did not shy away from scheduling some top-level opponents in the Midwest.

Added Beason: “This season has been all about progress for our team. We knew it was going to be a tough season, being new to the NAIA, and with the schedule we have. However, our athletes have continued to progress throughout the year. The effort continues to be there each night. We have been closing the gap, and making adjustments as the season continues.”

Cottey junior guard Kelsey Acton paced the Comets with a team-high nine points. Forward Kasey Acton, meanwhile, filled the stat sheet with a team-high nine rebounds, while also chipping in four points, three assists, and two steals.

The Comets returned to the court Wednesday night, and were derailed in Lawrence, Kansas by Association of independent Institutions (AII) conference opponent, Haskell Indian Nations University — 73-51.

Up next

In the second of three scheduled matchups with Haskell, the two squads face off Tuesday (Feb. 5) in Nevada. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. from Hinkhouse Center

For more information, contact the Cottey College athletic department at 417-667-8181, ext. 2237