AURORA, N.Y. – With four Hawks reaching double-figure scoring, the Hilbert College women's basketball team fought in a come-from behind battle against Wells College December 2. The Hawks (1-4) ran out of time as they dropped a 79-75 non-conference loss to the Express (3-3). Senior Natalie Whitman posted her second double-double but game-high honors went to Wells College's d3 News All-American Honorable Mention, Ashley Roser who finished with 35 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals.

Whitman was hot from the field, making 10 of her 13 attempts while pulling down 11 rebounds (one block). Freshman Emily Spiedel added 16 points and two steals while Kylie Reinholz (13 points) and Courtney Coots (11 points) each finished shooting 50% from the field. Haley Oakes earned career-high six assists for the Hawks.

Wells netted the first bucket of the game off the tip and never trailed during the contest. The Hawks cut the score to two points on several occasions early in the first half, but hit dry scoring spells which allowed the Express to slowly stretch their lead.

Speidel's made three pointer cut the deficit to five points (21-26) at 5:29 but Roser responded with a jumper and, on the next possession, the Express sank a layup (after grabbing three offensive rebounds) to take a nine-point lead at 4:26. Both teams continued to trade hoops while Wells took at 12 point lead (37-25) to the locker rooms.

The Hawks shot 33% from the field, were 1-11 beyond the arc and only attempted two free throws in the first 20 minutes (0-2). Meanwhile, the Express were slightly better from the field shooting 40% but were also a dismal 1-7 from long distance, yet made four of their nine free throws.

Wells scored early to open the second half before Hilbert went on a 6-3 run to cut the deficit to single digits (40-31). But by 9:30, the Express opened the game to a 15-point spread behind balanced scoring and Hilbert miscues or turnovers at their offensive end of the court. The Hawks found themselves still facing a 15-point hole to dig out of with 6:07 remaining yet things turned around for Hilbert.

Whitman started the 12-0 run sinking two free throws before back–to-back three-point plays (Whitman and Spiedel) cut the score to seven points (66-59). The Hawks rampage continued with a single free throw by Whitman before another 'and-one' by Courtney Coots at 4:03 (66-63). Both teams then traded baskets with Wells finding the bottom of the net twice before Hilbert hit it, which ultimately gave the hosts the 79-75 victory.

For the game Wells finished with better shooting percentage (44%-41%) and grabbed 12 more rebounds, scoring 20 second-chance points.

Hilbert plays hosts to Medaille College December 4^th as both teams open their Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference portion of the game schedule. The women's game follow the men's game this 2013-14 season with an 8pm week-night tip.