OSKALOOSA, IOWA - Missouri Baptist University women's basketball led late but couldn't close out down the stretch, falling 67-63 to William Penn University on Saturday afternoon.

Abigail Williams recorded a double-double to lead the Spartans, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The guard knocked down three 3-pointers and added two assists in 30 minutes of action.

Missouri Baptist built momentum early, taking an 18-16 lead after the first quarter before extending the advantage to 39-30 at halftime. The Spartans shot 50% from the field in the second quarter and used balanced scoring to hold a nine-point cushion at the break.

William Penn responded in the third, outscoring Missouri Baptist 23-17 to cut the deficit to 56-53 heading into the fourth. The final quarter featured multiple lead changes, with Riley Jansen's jumper giving the Spartans a brief 61-60 edge with under four minutes remaining.

The game was tied at 63 with under a minute to play, but William Penn converted late free throws to seal the result. Missouri Baptist had chances at the line in the final seconds but was unable to regain the lead.

Riley Jansen added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Mariana Cubero chipped in eight points on efficient shooting. Missouri Baptist finished with a 44-27 rebounding advantage but was outscored at the free-throw line. Rebecca Fraley returned from injury today, clocking 17 minutes and putting up three points for the Spartans.

The Spartans will return home to continue conference play with their next matchup against Park University, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 24. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.