In an electrifying season opener, the Cottey College Comets triumphed over the Friends University Falcons with a final score of 61-60. The Falcons are an incredibly talented team returning 4 starters from a team that won 23 games last season and are picked to finish second in the KCAC this year.

The Falcons surged out of the gate, taking an 18-14 lead into the second quarter. Kori Babcock led Friends University with 6 points, while Taylor Jackson contributed 4 points and 4 rebounds, helping set the tone early. The Comets struggled offensively at first, but senior Lesley Chalmers ignited the team, scoring 6 points and grabbing 4 rebounds to keep Cottey within striking distance.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Falcons quickly extended their lead to 8 points. However, the Comets' defense tightened, allowing Friends to make only 2 field goals in the period. Cottey College mounted a comeback, finishing the half strong. A pivotal corner three from Aushae Farris, followed by a deep buzzer-beater from Akyria James, allowed the Comets to flip the script, ending the half with a narrow 28-27 lead.

The third quarter saw Sarah Hunt come alive for the Comets, scoring 8 points, including 2 three-pointers, while grabbing 4 rebounds. However, Jackson continued to shine for Friends, putting up 7 points. The back-and-forth action culminated in the Falcons reclaiming a slim 2-point lead. 

In the final frame, the Comets leaned on their senior players. Hunt and Autumn Wallace each scored 5 points, while Dally Coulter connected on a critical three-pointer. The intensity ramped up as the teams traded baskets, with Cottey gaining a 4-point lead with just 3 minutes remaining.

But the Falcons responded swiftly. KK Peeler's steal and score followed by Lauryn McIver's offensive rebound and put-back would tie the game. With 35 seconds left, the Comets managed to pull ahead again, but Peeler's clutch three-pointer tied the contest at 60 with just 24 seconds remaining.

In a chaotic final play, the Falcons attempted to call a timeout but were out of them, resulting in a technical foul. Claudia Hadlock would miss the first free throw but calmly sank the second free throw, sealing a dramatic win for the Comets.

Sarah Hunt led Cottey College with 15 points, while Lesley Chalmers added 11. Dally Coulter's contributions of 8 points and 8 rebounds were vital in securing the win. Taylor Jackson would lead the way for the Falcons with 17 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Comets will look to build on this momentum as they head to Oklahoma City next weekend for the MACU Classic, where they will face Mid-America Christian University and John Brown University.