LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana – Abbey Sutherland sets new career high in points as HCU women's basketball falls to the McNeese Cowgirls 69-54 inside the Legacy Center Saturday afternoon.
 
HCU (7-9, 2-3 SLC) jumped out to a four point lead in the first quarter, shutting down the Cowgirls attack by allowing just four-of-ten made shots and forcing six turnovers. The second quarter started with a Kennedy Wilson three pointer followed by a Sutherland made layup off of a nice pass from Julija Vujakovic. This extended the Husky lead to nine, their largest of the game.
 
McNeese (5-11, 2-3 SLC) responded to consecutive makes by allowing HCU to score just five points over the final eight and a half minutes of the half and took a 27-23 lead into the break.
 
The Cowgirls extended their lead to nine points in the opening minute of the second half. Desirae Hansen knocked down three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt followed by another Cowgirl layup. Sutherland racked up seven of her game high 19 points in the third, however McNeese stood strong and took a nine point lead into the fourth quarter.
 
McNeese opened the fourth quarter by pushing their lead out to 14, which would be too much for the Huskies to overcome and would eventually win 69-54.
 
Sutherland led the way for HCU with setting her new career high with 19 points and also finished with five rebounds. Vujakovic dished out a career high seven assists and had two steals. N'Denasija Collins finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, adding yet another good game to her already impressive season. Wilson finished with 10 points while Marilyn Nzoiwu grabbed eight boards.
 
HCU returns home to Sharp Gym this week for a matchup against the UIW Cardinals Thursday evening before facing off with the Texas A&M-Corpus Islanders Saturday afternoon.