Cougars Start Slow in Loss to No. 8 Clarke University

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College women’s basketball team continues their stretch of tough non-conference opponents as this time they played host to the Pride of No. 8-ranked Clarke University. Clarke is coming off of a 2021-22 season that saw them go 31-5 overall, with an appearance in the NAIA Sweet 16. 

The Cougars struggled on offense to start the game as the Pride shot 57% in the first quarter and then 67% in the second. Columbia trailed at the end of the first 6-19. 

In the second, Columbia improved their field goal percentage by 37% to shoot at 50% as they went into halftime trailing 24-43.

Determined for a second-half surge, the Cougars managed to outscore the Pride 38-35, but it would not be enough as Columbia would fall 62-78. 

Three Cougars finished in double-digits as Mackenzie Hess (12), Mallory Shetley (11), and Allison Stiers (10) led the way. 

Mya Miller and Mallory Shetley both finished with six rebounds each, as Abby Backes dished out seven assists. 

The Cougars begin their American Midwest Conference season on Thursday as they play home against Williams Baptist University.