15 Dec 2021 Wendt grabs career-high nine offensive rebounds

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Huntingdon (Ala.) defeated Hendrix, 58-50, on Dec. 5 inside Roland Arena. The Hawks snapped the Warriors’ two-game win streak.

Hendrix (3-5) overcame a 10-point, first half deficit with a 10-0 run in the third quarter which lasted 2:13, taking its first lead, 27-26, when Caroline Wendt made the first of two free throws. The Warriors tied the game at 26 following a Rachel Woppman and-one. Wendt scored four of her team’s final seven points of the stretch, as a made free throw gave her team a 28-26 upper hand with 6:17 left in the period, and her steal led to Woppman’s old-fashioned 3-point play.

Madi Pierce scored five Hendrix’s final seven points of the third quarter, tying the affair at 35 with one minute remaining after canning a trey. However, Huntingdon (3-4) scored the first 12 points of the fourth quarter to pull away. Alicia McCloria drained a 3-pointer with 26 seconds left to bring the Warriors within five at 55-50, but her team would get no closer. The Hawks shot 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from the floor, made both 3-point field goals and attempted 18 free throws, converting nine of them, in the period. 

Alina Shoemaker totaled 19 points and was 3-of-4 from 3-point range and 4-of-8 from the free throw line to go along with five rebounds for Huntingdon. Cassidy Campbell grabbed nine rebounds.

The Hawks shot 46.2 percent 30 percent (18-of-60) overall, 36.8 percent (7-of-19) and 51.7 percent (15-of-29) from the charity stripe.

Pierce ended with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Wendt totaled eight points and a season-high 11 rebounds, including a career-best nine on the offensive glass and six in the final 20 minutes.

Woppman, Jayla King and reigning Southern Athletic Association Player of the Week Kennedi Burns scored seven points apiece. King also hauled in 10 rebounds, as Hendrix won the battle of the boards 45-39, including 19-14 on the offensive glass. Pierce, King and Mia Maxwell each grabbed three offensive rebounds.

The Warriors held edges in points in the paint (22-20) and second chance points (16-11).

Hendrix returns to Grove Gymnasium for two games in as many days against Mississippi University for Women. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT on Feb. 16 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 17.