By: John Murphy
CSC Sports Information Director
Ashayla Powers scored 25 points and added 12 rebounds but it wasn't enough for the Chadron State women's basketball team against New Mexico Highlands Friday night, falling 71-66 in the Chicoine Center.
The Eagles outscored their opponents 15-9 in the first quarter while shooting 42.86 percent (6-14) from the field. The Cowgirls only made 3-18 attempts (16.67 percent) in the period.
New Mexico Highlands responded by outscoring the Eagles by 10 in the second period to lead by four at half and by six in the third period. The Cowgirls shot 46.7 percent in the two periods combined compared to the Eagles 26.7 percent.
Chadron State, who trailed by as much as 16 in the fourth quarter, outscored its opponents by five in the period and lowered the deficit to three with 2:40 remaining but were unable to regain the lead.
In the game, CSC finished 22-62 (35.5%) from the field. They were 4-21 (19%) from three and 18-24 (75%) from the charity stripe in the loss. The Cowgirls shot 37.9% (25-66) from the field. Like Chadron State, they struggled from three, making 3-13 (23.1%) but shot an identical number from the free throw line.
The Eagles scored nine points off 12 Cowgirl turnovers while 14 CSC turnovers resulted in 14 points for New Mexico Highlands. CSC was outrebounded 47-38.
Powers, a junior from Longmont, Colorado, had new season highs in points and rebounds while finishing 8-18 from the field. The junior made nine of her 11 shots from the free throw line.
Joining Powers in double figures was Allison Olsen, a sophomore from Douglas, Wyoming, with 11 points.
Three Cowgirls scored in double-figures, led by Juliana Aragon with 16. Eva Ongoongotau added 13 and Vanessa Herrera had 10 for the visitors. Ongoongotau had 11 rebounds to finish with the games second double-double.
Chadron State hosts CSU-Pueblo on Saturday in the Chicoine Center. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.