(Sugar Grove, IL) – Waubonsee Community College women's basketball team engaged in a see-saw battle with Illinois Valley Community College. After six ties and eight lead changes in the first half alone, the Eagles pulled away in the fourth quarter to win 78-67. The loss drops to Chiefs back to the .500 mark at 6-6 overall with two games remaining until the holiday break.

Illinois Valley (4-5) held a slim 20-18 lead after one quarter, leading by no more than four points during the period. Waubonsee battled back and took a 38-35 at the break courtesy of a 7-2 advantage at the foul line in the first half. An 11-2 run to start the second half propelled the Eagles in front 46-40 and they spent the rest of the quarter holding the Chiefs at bay. Illinois Valley eventually headed into the fourth quarter in front 55-51 and quickly took their biggest lead of the game up to that point by starting the period on a 6-0 run. Waubonsee got back to within a couple possessions, but the Eagles pushed the deficit back to double digits midway through the quarter. Each time the Chiefs got to within striking distance the Eagles answered. Illinois Valley then put the game away by connecting on 8 of 10 free throws down the stretch.

Essence Rayford paced Waubonsee with 20 points and five assists. Tatyanna Smith booked a collegiate career-high 18 points and snagged seven rebounds. Evelyn Martin chipped in with 14 points, eight rebounds and four steals, while Katy Shawke added 11 points and six boards, and Alyssa Gittins came off the bench to grab seven rebounds. Illinois Valley had a balanced attack with five players reaching double figures, led by Gabby Englehaupt's 15 points.

The Chiefs are in action again on Tuesday, December 17 when they host Olive-Harvey College from Chicago. The Chiefs and Panthers are set to tip-off at 5:00 p.m. in Erickson Hall. Coach Lance Robinson's men's team will square off against the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. that evening.