Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion Basketball team picked up their fifth straight win Saturday afternoon, as they took down Harris-Stowe State University 59-47 in St. Louis, Mo.

Sandrea Sylman led the way for Freed-Hardeman (5-0, 2-0 AMC), as she fired in 20 points and pulled down five rebounds. Carrie Hatchel followed close behind with 17 points while Haylee Croom recorded an impressive double-double with 16 points and 20 rebounds in the win.

The Lady Lions managed to overcome a tough shooting performance to pick up the win, as they shot just 30 percent from the field and 12 percent from behind the arc. However, despite the slow start, FHU's defense kept the Hornets from gaining any separation, as HSSU shot just 31 percent from the field and 31 percent from behind the arc in the loss.

Takesia Barnes and Jay'la Davis led the Hornets on the attack, as each chipped in 10 points. Barnes also led the Hornets on the glass, as she pulled down 12 rebounds in the loss.

The match-up was tight from the opening tip, as FHU held just a one point advantage following the first quarter of play at the 14-13 mark. Haylee Croom led the Lady Lions on the attack in the first quarter, as she chipped in six of FHU's 14 points.

The Hornets (1-2, 0-1 AMC) battled back and regained the lead to begin the second quarter, courtesy of back-to-back field goals by Takesia Barnes and Kambri Davison to put HSSU up 17-14. However, the Lady Lions did not let the Hornets keep the lead long, as Carrie Hatchel responded with a three-point field goal to even things up at 17 apiece. From there, the Lady Lions out-shot the Hornets 13-4 to to finish the quarter with a 30-21 lead entering the break.

After going on a run to end the first half, the Lady Lions never relinquished their lead for the remainder of the game, as they reached their largest lead of the game at the 59-45 mark at the end of regulation on their way to a 59-47 victory.

With the win, the Lady Lions move to 5-0 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. Harris-Stowe State University falls to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in AMC play with the loss.

UP NEXT: The Lady Lions are back in action Friday, November 23rd, as they take on Talladega College in the NAIA Invitational. Friday's match-up is slated for 8:00 PM at the Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn.

For all the latest information regarding the Freed-Hardeman Women's Basketball program, be sure to follow FHU Athletics on all our social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, all @gofhulions