HIRAM, Ohio – January 17, 2024 – A flurry of offense gave Hiram a lead as large as 18 points in the first quarter, but the Terriers were unable to hang on in a 65-55 loss to Wittenberg on Wednesday evening at Price Gymnasium.

Brooke Hickman fueled the home team with 23 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal, while Maddie Rakestraw racked up 11 points and 7 assists. Hiram started and ended the game on a positive note, outscoring the Tigers in the first quarter, 22-12, and fourth quarter, 17-15.

It was an auspicious start for the Terriers, as Anastasia Lawler scored 11 points – including 3 3-pointers – to lift her team to a 22-4 lead over the first seven-plus minutes of action. Wittenberg would answer with an 8-0 run, but the advantage remained at double-digits through the end of the first quarter.

The Wittenberg defense would step up in the next two quarters, holding Hiram to 7 made field goals during that span and taking a 12-point lead of its own into the final period. Riane Burton accounted for most of the team's production with 23 points and 20 rebounds off the bench.

Hiram battled in the fourth quarter thanks to the efforts of Hickman, who scored over half of the team's points in the final 10 minutes. Rakestraw added another 5 points in the closing minute of the game, but the conference affair fell in favor of the 11-4 Tigers.

The Terriers will next celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Saturday as part of its home clash against Kenyon at 2 p.m. inside Price Gymnasium.