Park University women’s basketball team lost to arch rival Columbia College 71-45 on Feb. 12 inside the Breckon Sports Center.

The Columbia Cougars raced out of the blocks quickly and took an early four-point lead. The Pirates responded and kept things close. At the end of the first quarter, the Cougars were ahead 16-14.

However, the Cougars started the second quarter just as they began the first, this time scoring 12 points without a response from the Pirates. In that time the Pirates squandered numerous opportunities to close the gap.

Despite a late rally by the Pirates, the Cougars led 30-21 at the half. Sophomore guard Cautia Wadood was the stand out performer for the Pirates.

As the game progressed into the second half, the Cougars were relentless on rebounds and punished the Pirates for missed chances.

As the game continued through the third quarter, the Pirates still trailed 48-36.

The pick of the Pirates wasjunior forward Chantell Greer, who made two free-throws to cut the lead as much as possible.

Despite the best efforts of the Pirates, the Cougars ran away with the contest. Columbia College’s Morgan Brandt was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points.

For the Pirates, Greer led the scoring with 13 points.

Since this game, the Pirates beat Stephens College, but notched three more losses to finish out the regular season. The team’s record is 11-17 overall and 10-14 in the conference.