Nighthawks end season in regional

HOT SPRINGS - The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks concluded their season with a first-round loss in the NJCAA Region II tournament, falling to University of Arkansas Cossatot 62-55 this past Friday.

NPC fell behind early struggling to make shots in the paint while faltering defensively and from beyond the arc. Trailing 20-10 after 10 minutes, the Nighthawks attempted to chip away at the deficit behind a five-point secondquarter effort from freshman India Atkins (Bryant). However, the Lady Colts continued to thrive from 3-point range and the freethrow line to build a 33-20 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Lady Colts appeared to pull away, leading by as many as 20 points, 51-31, with 2:26 remaining in the third quarter. With four third-quarter 3-pointers, including two from Atkins, NPC cut the deficit to 17 points, 55-38, entering the final frame. In the fourth quarter, the Nighthawk women erupted to a 8-0 start, bringing the game within nine points. With one minute remaining, NPC added a layup to bring the game within seven points, 62-55, but could not complete the comeback, ending the team’s season. Atkins led the Nighthawks in scoring with 18 points in the loss.

AARON BREWER/ Special to The Saline Courier Former Bryant Lady Hornet and current National Park Nighthawk India Atkins, 00, competes in a game this season. Atkins scored 18 points in a 62-55 loss to Arkansas Cossatot this past Friday in the first round of the NJCAA Region II Tourney.