[Women's Basketball] Falcons Rally to Win Third Straight at Southwestern

WINFIELD, Kan. -- Trailing most of the afternoon, the Friends University Falcons stormed back to win their third straight game 51-48 Saturday afternoon over the Southwestern College Moundbuilders in Winfield.

After a 10-3 start to the third quarter for the Moundbuilders, Maddie Jessepe (SR/Ada, Okla. ) blocked a three-point attempt by Ashton Burdick. 

A three by Kayna Simoneau (JR/Rose Hill, Kan.) sparked an 11-2 run to pull the Falcons within 34-32 early in the final period.

Amanda Graddy buried a three to extend the Moundbuilder lead, but a putback by Kassie Kinniburgh (FR/Valley Center, Kan.) followed by a triple by Jessepe gave the Falcons their first lead of the game. 

The Moundbuilders tied the ballgame one last time on an offensive rebound and layup by Lauren Richter, but a steal and runout by Jessepe gave the Falcons a lead they would never relinquish. 

Kinniburgh led the Falcons with 10 points with Jessepe adding nine points, three steals, and two blocks. Gracie Sammons (SO/Aubrey, Texas) also scored nine points. 

Simoneau anchored the defense with five steals while adding seven points and four assists. 

Friends finished 33.9 percent (19-of-56) from the field including three shots from the perimeter, all of which came in the second half.

Richter paced all scorers with 17 points for the Moundbuilders and grabbed seven rebounds. 

Southwestern shot 36.5 percent (19-of-52) from the field but just 25 percent (2-of-8) from the free-throw line.

The Falcons remain on the road next Saturday (Jan. 23) when they travel to North Newton to take on Bethel College. Watch each Falcon men's and women's basketball game LIVE by clicking HERE.