SPARTANBURG, S.C. -The Chowan University women's basketball team faced Lees-McRae College in the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship Finals on Sunday evening. The appearance marked a historic moment for the Hawks, as it was the first time in program history that Chowan advanced to the Conference Carolinas Championship game and the program's first championship appearance in the NCAA Division II era. The last time the Hawks reached a conference championship game came during the 2003-04 season when Chowan advanced to the USA South Championship in the Division III era.

Chowan set the tone early, scoring the first points of the contest and showing poise in the championship matchup. Lees-McRae built a lead of as many as seven points late in the first quarter, but the Hawks responded with two timely baskets to cut the deficit to two heading into the second quarter.

The Hawks continued to battle in the second period rallying as the Bobcats would take a 27-24 lead heading into halftime.

Chowan regained the advantage midway through the third quarter at the 3:29 mark following a successful tip-in. The matchup featured five more lead changes and two ties before the Bobcats pulled away in the final minute to secure the 67-60 victory.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 60,  Lees-McRae 67

RECORDS | Chowan (19-9), Lees-McRae (23-7)

LOCATION  | Spartanburg, S.C. (Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium)

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Nyeisha Savage led the Hawks with 18 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-14 from the field. She also recorded a game-high 14 rebounds—10 on the defensive end—while adding three blocks. Desiree Askew matched Savage with 18 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field while collecting eight rebounds, including six on the offensive glass.

Daneesha Briggs added nine points, knocking down two three-pointers while grabbing three rebounds and dishing out an assist. Yasmine Brown contributed seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Alexandria James-Fearin finished with four points, three rebounds, and an assist, while Ayanna Rutledge added seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

As a team, the Hawks totaled 38 points in the paint, 30 bench points, and 18 second-chance points.

Chowan concludes the season with a 19-9 overall record, including a 14-6 mark in Conference Carolinas play.