Hawks fall in Region XI Championship

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Northeast Community College women's basketball team came up short on Saturday in the Region XI Championship 74-56 against Iowa Western Community College at the Reiver Arena in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The Hawks (16-11, 2-2 ICCAC) jumped on the Reivers late in the first quarter, and ultimately took a two-point lead heading into the second quarter after a Kyla Moore (Norfolk, Neb.) 3-pointer. However, it was Iowa Western that controlled the tempo in the second quarter, allowing just 11 points to Northeast.

Northeast ultimately pulled within six points after an Irene Sanz (Vilassar de Mar, Spain) 3-pointer and a five-point outburst from Emina Hadzihusejnovic (Mostar, Bosnia) in the third quarter, but the Hawks' comeback was cut short after a 7-0 run by IWCC.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Reivers after Northeast managed 13 points, while IWCC shot 62 percent from the field. The hot-shooting effort kept the Hawks from mounting any comeback.

Sanz led the Hawks with 12 points, while Lauren Hunstad (Parker, S.D) had nine points. Kori Fischer (South Sioux City, Neb.) added eight points off the bench. Northeast shot 43 percent from the field and 44 percent from beyond the arc.

The Hawks conclude their season with an overall record of 16-11 and 2-2 record in conference play. Northeast also held a 9-4 record on its home court.

Northeast loses five sophomores to graduation, but return eight freshmen for next season.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.