Box Score By Karen Allen

ROME--The  Lady Hawks took to the court for the final time in 2013 Friday evening; coming away victorious, 61-54.

Entering the holiday break, the Lady Hawks post an overall 4-5 record and are 2-1 in the Gulf South.

North Alabama scored first, but it was all Shorter after that as they took the lead with 18:04 in the first half on a free throw from Ieshia Alexander. During the first half, the Lady Hawks shot 47.8% while holding North Alabama to 21.7% en route to the 31-21 halftime lead.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, as Shorter was able to build an 18 point lead, with 16:51 to play on Tamarr Williams' layup to give the Lady Hawks a 42-24 lead. The Lions fought back and cut the lead to three on a Janae Lyde layup with 1:20 on the clock, but Shorter connected on 5-6 free throws in the final twenty-eight seconds of the game to earn the 61-54 victory.

Alexander led all scorers with 20 points, 13 of which came in the first half. Karisma Boykin chipped in with 12 for Shorter, and Kristin Nash added 10. For the Lions, Jennifer Towne and Lauren Faris both reached double figures.

Following the Christmas holiday, the Lady Hawks will be back in action January 4, as they travel to Memphis to take on Christian Brothers.