CRESTON, Iowa – Despite a strong effort through three quarters, the Southwestern Spartans women's basketball team fell to No. 23-ranked Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) 77-46 on Saturday night. The loss drops Southwestern to 1-7 overall and 0-1 in ICCAC play.

The Spartans were within 13 points heading into the fourth quarter, but a 27-9 scoring surge by DMACC sealed the game. The visiting Bears capitalized on their dominance on the boards, outrebounding Southwestern 56-38, including a staggering 23 offensive rebounds.

Brooklyn Hadl led the Spartans with a standout performance, recording a double-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. She was supported offensively by McKenna Wiechman and Gabby Dwanyen, who each contributed nine points. Sharmaine Tapling and Bhella Lavulavu added six rebounds apiece.

"We battled pretty tough and kept it close against a very good DMACC team for the first three quarters," said head coach Kori Zarzutzki. "We understand the areas we need to improve in, and we're determined to come together in practice and get better."

The Spartans shot just 23.8% from the field and 21.7% from beyond the arc, while DMACC converted 28.9% of their shots and 33.3% from three-point range. The Bears' relentless offensive rebounding allowed them to maintain second-chance opportunities that proved costly for Southwestern.

Southwestern will look to regroup as they prepare for their next matchup. The Spartans return to action December 7th when they face Marshalltown in another ICCAC contest.