Stout defense carries Hawks past Lake Region

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A strong defensive effort proved to be the difference for the Northeast Community College women's basketball team on Friday.

The Hawks (11-2) held Lake Region State College to 33 percent shooting from the field in a 73-60 victory at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Northeast started the game off on the right foot by limiting the Royals to only 16 points in the first quarter and 13 in the second to take a 45-29 lead at halftime. Lake Region could only muster 13 points in the third quarter and ultimately turned the ball over 11 times in the contest.

Kyla Moore (Norfolk, Neb.) led the Hawks with 16 points and five rebounds, while Julia Carbonell (Barcelona, Spain) had 13 points. Beth Matas (Girona, Spain) added 10 points.

The Hawks shot 55 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Royals, 36-27.

"We played very well for the first three quarters on both ends of the court," head coach Matt Svehla said. "We also had a great run in the second quarter to get control of the game."

Northeast is back in action at 1 p.m. tomorrow against Snow College in the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs.

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.