VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Drake University women's basketball team rallied in an 83-79 win at Valparaiso Sunday afternoon in a back-and-forth Missouri Valley Conference game.
 
Drake (22-7, 14-3 MVC) had four finish in double figures led by Becca Hittner's game-high 23 points. Maddie Monahan was next with 18 points, including making 6-of-6 free throws in the fourth quarter with two coming late to secure the road victory. Sara Rhine recorded her team-best ninth double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds while Kierra Collier had 10 points.
 
Drake, which trailed by as many as nine points in the game that featured 11 lead changes and ties, was down four with 7:54 to play. Valpo (16-11, 8-8 MVC) also had four players finish in double digits as senior Grace Hales had a team-high 16 points. Ella Ellenson and Shay Frederick each added 15 points. Carrie Weinman scored 13 points.
 
Frederick hit a three-pointer for that four-point lead minutes into the fourth but Drake slowly chipped away and eventually took the lead back for good when Brenni Rose made one of two free throws with 5:33 remaining.
 
The Bulldogs stretched their lead to seven but the Crusaders hit back-to-back three-pointers and fouled to extend the game. Frederick then made two free throws with four seconds left to get within two points at 81-79. Monahan was fouled and then calmly knocked down her final two free throws as Drake closed out the tough win. She finished 8-of-10 from the line as the team made 33-of-48.
 
At the end of the third quarter, the score was tied for the ninth time, as Hittner's late jumper was countered by Hales layup to make it 49-49.
 
The first two quarters were also back-and-forth after an early strong start by Drake that helped lead by four. However, Valpo closed the first quarter with a 12-1 run and led by nine points, 22-13. But the Bulldogs pulled back in with a mix of defense and timely baskets with Sarah Beth Gueldner's three off the bench evening the score at 22-22 as the Crusaders took a timeout. Valpo answered and later led before Hittner knocked down a short jumper that evened the score at 36-all at halftime.
 
Burich with seven and Gueldner with six combined for 13 bench points. Drake shot 52.4 percent from the field going 22-of-42.
 
Drake closes the regular season Friday, March 6 at in-state rival UNI. Tipoff with the Panthers is scheduled for 6 p.m.