Lady Hawks drop one to Western Published Dec. 4, 2009 By John Stuart Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Lady Hawks had the taste of victory on their lips in Altus. It smacked of hard work, execution and a well-fought game. The stakes were high -- a possible road win against a solid team. But victory's sweet taste fell just out of reach Nov. 21, and the Lady Hawks watched a hopeful win slip away in the final minutes against Western. The Lady Hawks played a close game against a well-conditioned Western team, but the NAIA squad claimed the win that day with their speed and three-point shots. Tinker traveled to Altus in what has become a difficult road-game matchup. But the Lady Hawks showed up ready to play. Cutting the Pioneers to an eight-point lead at the half, Tinker clawed back and the teams traded the lead until the fourth quarter. But with a set of decisive three pointers, the Pioneers finally pulled ahead with three minutes left to claim the 68-55 win. "We actually had the lead and we lost it," said Lady Hawks coach Carlos Hopkins. "But they are three-point shooters. That really saved their bacon. They had two ladies who could score without thinking about it. "To be honest with you we were disappointed that we didn't win the game. As far as game play I felt we were a better team we just didn't pull it out." Hopkins hopes to play Western again after the New Year and believes his lady hoopsters will beat them the next time. Coming up next, the Lady Hawks will be back on the Tinker hardwood Dec. 5 and 6 at 11 a.m. as they take on Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center.