HARRISONBURG, Va. – A cold offensive third quarter by Hilbert was the turning point in their 75-62 loss to Salem University in day two of the Eastern Mennonite University Tip-Off Classic.

Kelsi Ebert and Tayor Corts combined for 30 of the Hawks points, but those two weren't able to keep pace with Sabrina Shepard (30) and MiKayla Seivers (19) who carried Salem to their second win on the season.

Salem built a six point cushion in the first quarter, but free throws by Corts and Emily Gawlak cut the difference to two at the start of the second frame.

Abbey Monahan knotted the score in the first seconds of the second quarter and both teams traded hoops until Ebert knocked down a three at 5:54 which set a 25-20 Hilbert advantage.  A quick jumper and then a long ball by Salem created a mini-rally and forced another even score at 3:18.  Both teams traded hoops and settling for a 31-29 half time score.

Salem quickly stretched their lead to 11 points with Shepard creating a 5-0 run midway through the third.  Hilbert scored one free throw over the course of four minutes until Monahan's jumper broke the Hilbert cold spell. Gawlak struck from downtown to cut the difference to 12 points by the start of the final quarter and things were looking good.

Morgan McNeill, Gawlak and Corts hit 3's in the final session, but Salem had created too much a separation and held onto their double-digit lead until the final horn. 

Kelsi Ebert led with 16 points, was one rebound shy of a double-double but added four assists.  Taylor Corts chipped in 14 points and also four assists while Emily Gawlak reached for 10 points.

Katelyn Proy patrolled the paint and was credited with three blocks and six rebounds.

Hilbert held 40-31 lead on the boards, but dominated the offensive glass with 21 rebounds which converted into 19 second-chance points.  

The Hawks finished the game hitting 12-of-16 free throws, but went cold in the second half (3-of-7). 

Hilbert returns to action next Saturday, after the Thanksgiving holiday, with a home game against Alfred University at 4pm November 25.

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.