Flying Eagles Fall to Yetis in Another Nail-Biter

Game Recap: Women’s Basketball
1/4/2025 | Shaun Schetka

The Flying Eagles (5-5, 4-3) took their first road trip of the 2025 calendar year, traveling to Cleveland Community College (10-3, 6-2) with hopes of capitalizing on the Yetis playing on back-to-back days. With this being the second matchup between the teams this season, Southwest aimed to avenge an earlier 59-57 home loss to Cleveland CC. The two teams battled back and forth as they had in December, but unfortunately for the Flying Eagles, the result was the same, falling 59-57.

Freshman Kierstin Johnson opened the scoring for SWCC, establishing an inside presence. On the next possession, Paige Niethammer drew a foul and hit 1 of 2 free throws, giving SWCC a quick 3-0 lead. However, the Yetis responded with a 7-0 run to take the lead. After the media timeout, freshman Tamila Francis sank a three-pointer to regain the lead for the Flying Eagles, 9-8. Sophomore Maddie Day then went on a personal 5-point run, first hitting a three-pointer, then stealing the ball and converting it into a layup, putting SWCC up 13-9. The teams traded baskets to close out the quarter, with the Flying Eagles holding a slim 16-15 lead.

Francis opened the second quarter with two quick baskets, but her scoring stopped there. She turned into a facilitator, finishing the game with 7 points and a game-high 9 assists. SWCC extended its lead with contributions from Day and freshman Grace Harvey, while Cleveland CC stayed in the game with timely three-point shooting. The Flying Eagles’ defense stepped up, and another Maddie Day 5-point run helped extend their lead to 33-23. Niethammer added a free throw, and SWCC took a 34-25 lead into halftime.

Cleveland CC started the third quarter aggressively, looking to speed up SWCC. Despite this, Niethammer scored an easy layup to push the lead to 36-27. The Yetis countered with a three-pointer from Grace East and an 8-point run by Kari Lee, taking the lead 37-36. Niethammer broke the run with a basket, and Day earned free throws on a three-point attempt, hitting 2 of 3 to regain the lead for SWCC at 39-37. Both teams exchanged three-point plays, ending the third quarter tied at 44.

Cleveland CC carried its momentum into the fourth quarter, with Jonnah Castillo going on a personal 5-0 run to put the Yetis up 49-44. SWCC responded with three three-pointers by freshman Emma Owens, reclaiming a 55-51 lead. However, Cleveland CC closed the game on an 8-2 run to secure the win.

SWCC was led by Maddie Day, who scored 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Sophomore Paige Niethammer recorded a dominant 14-point, 18-rebound double-double. For Cleveland CC, Kari Lee paced the team with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. While SWCC outscored Cleveland CC in the paint 24-14, the Yetis capitalized on 22 Flying Eagles turnovers, turning them into 18 points.

The Flying Eagles’ game scheduled for Sunday, January 5, at Wake Tech has been postponed due to expected severe weather. SWCC will return to action on Wednesday, January 8, stepping out of Region X play to host the NCAA Division II University of Mount Olive’s JV team. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM ET at the King Community Center.