Southwestern Head Coach Addae Houston knew it would be a battle for the Spartan women vs Simpson JV on Friday, Dec. 1, in Indianola. The Spartans went into the game with a depleted roster, as three key players—Tina Lair-VanMeter, Kierra Brice, and Fallyn Beemer—were out with injuries, leaving the team with just seven players to compete.

It was a back and forth game with several lead changes during the first half. The two teams were tied at the half, 30-30.

Late in the fourth quarter, with less than five seconds remaining and holding on to a two-point lead, the Spartans had possession of the ball but were unable to inbound the ball turning it over. The ball went back to Simpson.

The Spartans defended Simpson's final attempt well and forced a late, off-balance shot. The ball fell short and the Spartans got the win, 70-68.

Houston was proud of the way his team fought.

"Despite the injuries, I thought we came out with the mindset that a shortened roster didn't matter," Houston stated. "We were ready to battle for 40 minutes."

T'Keyah Stapleton finished with a team-high 22 points. Vanessa Romo added 13 points and four rebounds. Keaundra Washington and Jasmine Aviles each scored 12 points.

The Spartans will face Simpson again, this time on their home court, on Tuesday, Dec. 5.