Southern Utah women's basketball: T-Birds rallied for place in BSC Tournament

The Salt Lake Tribune

Published: March 12, 2013 10:13 am
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Needing two wins to secure a place in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, the Southern Utah women went back-to-back at home, including a double-overtime victory against North Dakota to wrap up the seventh and final seed Saturday.

The Thunderbirds' other win came against their first-round opponent, second seed Northern Colorado (18-11, 15-5).

SUU (15-15, 9-11), which swept the season series against the Bears, opens its first-ever BSC postseason action Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Dahlberg Arena. Should the Thunderbirds defeat UNC a third time, they would most likely play host and first seed Montana on Friday.

The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday.

Kimie Hawkins led Southern Utah, the only team to defeat Northern Colorado at home this season, in scoring in both games, combining for 32 points. She finished the season as the Thunderbirds' second-leading scorer (9.5) and rebounder (6.2).

BSC honorable mention selection Hailey Mandelka is SUU's leading scorer (11.9) on a team that features eight players averaging at least five or more points.

Against North Dakota, it was Sofia Hepworth who scored the eventual game-winner.

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