HIRAM, Ohio – December 19, 2023 – The Hiram women's basketball team finished as strong as it started on Tuesday evening at Price Gymnasium, outscoring Franciscan 24-12 in the first quarter and 22-15 in the fourth quarter as part of a convincing 70-52 victory to close out the semester.

It was a career day in many ways for the Terriers, with three student-athletes setting new career-highs in key departments: Brooke Hickman in points (30), Ava Mory in rebounds (13) and Anastasia Lawler in assists (7).

The win gives Hiram a 4-5 record and a two-game winning streak heading into its final two non-conference games later this month.

"It's great to end the semester on two wins," head coach Alexandra Dellas said. "We hope that carries us forward."

Hiram dominated the painted area on both ends of the floor, scoring 52 points in the paint on the offensive end and blocking a season-high 6 shots on the defensive end. Hickman's 30 points were the most in a game by any Hiram student-athlete since Madison Branch had 34 points at Waynesburg on Nov. 5, 2021.

"A lot of teams have been putting pressure on (Hickman) that has made her think about how she's scoring and to score in different ways," Dellas said of Hickman's progression throughout the season. "She's practicing that in her individuals and in team practices, so she's just brushing the surface… She did a great job tonight."

Hickman scored within 30 seconds of the game's tip-off, which gave Hiram a lead it wouldn't surrender for the remainder of the contest. Freshman Payton Black and Hickman combined to score 15 of the team's 24 points in the opening quarter.

The Terriers saw their lead grow as large as 18 points in the second quarter and were able to keep it a double-digit margin for the entire period. The halftime score stood at 35-24.

Franciscan held strong in the third quarter, with both teams scoring 13 points to keep it an 11-point game heading into the fourth quarter. Madison Doan had 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Barons.

Hiram made its move when it mattered most, starting the fourth quarter with a pair of layups from Hickman and keeping it a 15-point lead thanks to another two impressive shots from Hickman and a layup by Diara Parsons. Lawler scored or assisted on 10 points in the fourth quarter, which opened the door for the team's depth to get a chance to play in the closing moments.

The Terriers will now prepare for a two-game tournament to close out the calendar year; the team will travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania and take on Lycoming on Dec. 29 (5 p.m.) and Misericordia on Dec. 30 (12 p.m.) before opening conference play against Oberlin at home on Jan. 3.