The Spartan women's basketball team faced #2-in-the-nation Kirkwood Community College at home on Saturday, Feb. 24, during their sophomore appreciation game in Creston.

Spartan Head Coach Addae Houston said sophomore appreciation always makes for a bittersweet day.

"Coaching on sophomore appreciation day is something I always look forward to," said Houston; "but the players and I have mixed emotions, because we know the season is winding down, and it's their last home game in a Spartan uniform."

At the start of the first quarter the Spartans took an early lead 6-3, but it was short-lived as Kirkwood sparked a run with a series of 3-pointers made. At the close of the quarter the Spartans trailed by seven points, 13-20.

"The momentum shifted in Kirkwood's favor in that first quarter largely due to their full-court pressure on defense that forced turnovers," explained Houston. "They were able to capitalize on our mistakes."

At the half, the Spartans trailed 25-48.

During the second half, Kirkwood's defensive pressure continued to cause problems for the Spartans and limited the Spartans' ability to execute offensively. The Eagles held the Spartans to eight points in the third quarter.

Keaundra Washington led the Spartans with 10 points in the contest.

This week, on Wednesday, Feb 28, the Spartans will travel to Keokuk to face Southeastern Community College. Tip-off is at 6 p.m.