Just before starting conference play, the Hillsdale College women's basketball team tested itself against a solid Division I opponent Tuesday evening.

After playing an even first half against Eastern Michigan University, the Chargers were outscored by 13 points in the second half, falling to the Eagles in Ypsilanti 73-56.

Hillsdale, 2-0 on the season, next takes the court in two weeks, facing Tiffin University in the GLIAC opener for both teams. Tuesday's game does not count in the Chargers' stats or final won-loss record.

The Chargers went toe-to-toe with the Eagles in a competitive first half. A 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer extended EMU's lead from one to four points, as the teams played a statistically even opening 20 minutes. Much of that came thanks to the terrific play of junior Kayla Geffert.

A versatile scorer who came off the bench in this game, Geffert scored 14 of her team-high 20 points in the first half, knocking down all seven of her free throws while finishing 6-for-13 from the floor. She scored from all over the court and played with the kind of controlled aggression that's ideal for well-rounded offensive players.

However, in the second half, Eastern Michigan's superior quickness and athleticism took hold. The Eagles outscored the Chargers 34-21 in the second half, limiting Hillsdale to eight made field goals in the game's final 20 minutes.

EMU outscored Hillsdale 42-18 in the paint and had a 15-point advantage in fast-break points. The Eagles tallied 34 points off 30 Charger turnovers.

Junior Kelsey Cromer had 9 points and 5 rebounds, while freshman Allie Dittmer came off the bench to snare 8 rebounds in 16 minutes.

Photo by Jim Drews