The College of the Ozarks started the year as the #7 team in the nation in the preseason NAIA DII womens poll. And they have done nothing but impress against a very tough schedule.
Last night they faced, and defeated another NAIA DI team. Their second of the year already, after beating NAIA DI #9 Lyon. William Woods was the victim this time 70-67.
The first half was not kind to the home team as they fell behind by as many as seven before pulling back to within five at the half.
The third quarter was a different story. The Lady Cats went on a 15-4 run to take a 44-40 lead. It was a lead that would eventually grow to as many as 11 several times in the fourth quarter.
C of O was much more aggressive in the second half. Instead of settling for three pointers they attacked the basket. They either got buckets or got to the free throw line. (they only shot one free throw in the entire first half) By aggressively running the offense, those three pointers eventually opened up. Cassidy Johnson was able to take advantage. The sophomore from West Plains hit FOUR second half threes on her way to a nineteen point night. Seventeen of those points came in the second half.
In all four Lady Cats would score in double figures: Lakin Simmerman (15) Kelsie Cleeton (13) and Shelby Roberts (11).
The Lady Owls made a run at the end of the game making it a little too close for comfort. C of O saw their seven point advantage nearly vanquish in the closing seconds. A three point attempt to tie was off the mark from Payton Greenlee and the buzzer finally sounded.
The Lady Cats will put their undefeated mark on the line at the John Brown Classic next weekend. In addition to the host school they will take on Oklahoma City. Both schools are NAIA DI and are in the top 25 or receiving votes.