February 4th: Loss against #23 Hardin-Simmons 48-67.
The Comets’ five-game win streak came to a halt on Feb. 4 with a defeat against Hardin-Simmons University. This is the second time the Comets have lost to the Cowgirls, who are currently undefeated in this season of the American Southwest Conference (ASC).
Head Coach Joe Shotland said he saw this as a learning experience for the team to improve.
“It’s always tough, you know,” Shotland said. “Obviously you want to win in home court, but I thought we learned today, I thought we got some good action.”
The women’s team was holding on to the second place in ASC standing, but this recent game dropped them to fourth, as they scored only 27.8% of attempted field goals and a season low of 0% for 3-pointers. The Comets’ offensive maintained a lead in both halves, with a peak lead numbering at 22 points.
Freshman center Kyra Samuels — typically a defensive player — was the top scorer of the game, with 11 points consisting of four field goals and five free throws, complemented by two blocks and a career best of seven rebounds. Her offensive play led her to break seven personal records. Junior guard Kaylee Boykin, who scored 10 points, made a personal best with eight rebounds. Sophomore Trystan Clark, who scored eight points and made four rebounds, made a seasonal best in attempted field goals amounting to 10.
February 7th: Loss against McMurry 65-68.
In a rematch against McMurry, the Comets barely dropped a close game. This is the first time the Comets have lost against the War Hawks this season, which dropped the Comets from fourth place standing in the ASC to fifth place.
The Comets and War Hawks went back and forth, tying seven times throughout the game and exchanging leading scores 13 times. The Comets scored a season best of 46.4% attempted field goals and tied for the season low of 50% for free throws.
Senior guard Lauren Fulenwider broke two personal records with 31 minutes played and five assists, while also providing for her team with 12 points consisting of four field goals and four three pointers. Fulenwider was the top scorer of the game. Senior guard Jordan Maxwell broke a personal record for 3-pointers and achieved her first double-double, scoring 10 points and 10 assists. Junior Blythe William and senior Diane Hurst both contributed 11 points with Williams providing another five rebounds.
“We’re going to learn from it,” Shotland said. “Nobody likes losing, but it’s always about how you respond, right?”