ELMIRA, N.Y. – Opening game nerves got the best of the Hilbert College women's basketball team tonight as they suffered a 70-62 non-conference road loss at Elmira College.

Hilbert and Elmira produced almost identical field goal percentages as neither team found their rhythm throughout the four quarters.   But the Soaring Eagles converted at the foul line to escape with their first victory of the season.

The Hawks finished with a 32% shooting night inside the arc, but made only five of 23 shots from deep.  Free throws are what caused Hilbert the game as they made only 15 of 28 (53.6%) and fell in an eight-point loss.

Hilbert got balanced scoring with four players notching double-digits.  Senior Kelsi Ebert led with 14 points (5-of-6 at the FL) grabbed eight rebounds and dished for six assists while Taylor Corts (7-of-8 at the charity stripe) and Emily Gawlak posted 13 points each. 

Katelyn Proy shot 50% from the floor and earned her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.  Proy also led the team with three blocks and three steals.

Hilbert was out rebounded 54-41 and gave up 19 offensive boards which led to 15 second-chance Elmira points.

The Hawks found themselves down by 13 points early in the fourth quarter.  Galwak and Corts did a majority of the scoring which sliced the difference to just a five-point game with 1:38 left.  Elmira went 9-of-10 at the charity stripe to squeak-out the win.   

Hilbert will regroup and get ready for the Eastern Mennonite Invitational Classic this weekend.  The Hawks will face the hosts at 7pm November 17 and then battle Salem on Saturday at 1 pm.

Be sure to stay up-to-date on all your Hilbert Hawks scores and awards by following @HilbertAthletic on Twitter and by liking the "Hilbert College Athletics" Facebook page.  Additionally fans of the Hawks who have an Apple device can receive push notification from the newly created Hilbert College Hawks iOS SIDEARM mobile App which can be found in the Apple Store and ITunes.