In a thriling season opening matchup between Southwestern and Cottey College, fans were treated to a display of skill, determination, and nail-biting moments. It was the season opener for both teams, and the first game at Home for the Comets. It also marked the initial game of Maryann Mitts' final campaign coaching the Comets. 

1st Quarter

Early Action

The game started with high energy, as both teams vied for control in the new season. Claudia Hadlock, reigning AMC Freshman of the Year, opened the scoring with a deep 3 to put the Comets on the board first. Southwestern would answer back with a few buckets of their own as the game was tight. As expected, nerves were proving to be a factor for both teams. As the clock continued to tick down, the players began to settle into the competiton they all know so well, and the game became a little more measured and shots began to fall. 

End of 1st Quarter: Southwestern 15 - Cottey College 20

2nd Quarter

Cottey's Momentum

The second quarter began with Southwestern's Mathews missing a jump shot, and Sarah Hunt grabbing the rebound for Cottey. Both teams were putting up a strong defensive front. Then, Cottey College gained momentum with Ndeye (Penda) Ndiaye's making a few nice post moves for Cottey, scoring three straight times down the court, extending their lead. Fellow post player Autumn Wallace, from State Fair Community College, also put up some offensive numbers, including being consistent from the free thrown line when fouled. After an Akyria James bucket, the Comets held a commanding 35-19 lead late in the 2nd.

Southwestern's Response

The Moundbuilders weren't about to go down without a fight, as they finished the half on a 6-0 run in the final 2 minutes of the half to grab a handful of momentum heading into the locker room. 

Half-Time Score: Southwestern 26 - Cottey College 35

3rd Quarter

Southwestern's Fightback

Penda provided the first bucket in the 2nd half for the Comets, but the 3rd quarter soundly belonged to the Moundbuilders. Airalyn Frame led the way for Southwestern, slowly chipping away at the Comets lead as they clawed back into the game. Callie Scott sank a 3 pointer, followed up by a Kennedy Ford set of Free Throws, and suddenly the game was tied. Southwestern had a chance to take the lead before the 4th quarter, but Autumn Wallace secured a steal to take the game into the final frame tied. 

End of 3rd Quarter: Southwestern 43 - Cottey College 43

4th Quarter

Comet's Pull Away

With high tension and a tie game, the 4th quarter began. Claudia Hadlock led the way with 7 points in the 4th quarter, as all five starters would put points on the board in the final frame. It was the highest scoring quarter of the game for the Comets, as they cleared the Moundbuilders, 21-8 in 4th quarter scoring. The Comets were clutch from the free throw line, going 5/6 down the stretch to secure the victory and move to 1-0 in the 2023-24 season. 

The Comets return to action Sunday November 5th, at Arkansas Baptist for a 1pm contest.